Analysis as Alexis Sanchez is hailed by Man United as a new superstar

STATISTICS 

Goals – 1

Assists – 0

Shots – 6

Shots on target – 3

Touches – 120

Passes – 77

Key passes – 3

Dribbles – 9

Dispossessed – 5

30-SECOND REPORT

This was the type of all-action, maximum-return performance that United desired when they invested so much money in the forward.

His quick feet were witnessed for the first time at United in home colours when he cut inside several defenders and forced a smart save from 20 yards by Jonas Lossl. But a petulant side stained the rest of the first half, clearly diving in the penalty box and then letting his frustration at being kicked off the park get the better of him on the stroke of half-time when he hacked Florent Hadergjonaj for a clear booking.

Spurred on by the terriers’ bite in the tackle, he made the second half his own. Visiting skipper Tommy Smith and Netherlands defender Terence Kongolo had to be alert to produce fine blocks, before his quick feet drew a foul from the clumsy Michael Hefele for the penalty he converted at the second attempt.

Sanchez was ranked first for United in shots, shots on target, dribbles, losses of possession, fouls against and tackles. A complete display which will cheer manager Jose Mourinho.

GOT RIGHT

Providing a spark – Sanchez was simply everywhere. United’s attack has looked prosaic for far too long, despite a wealth of talent. The supreme contribution and desire of their new signing against sides which simply come to defend should prevent repeats of the dropped points already accrued this season against also rans such as Southampton, Burnley, Huddersfield (away) and Stoke.

Dribbling machine – When teams have stacked up their defences, United have too often failed to find the answer. The nine dribbles by Sanchez represents their highest tally in the league all season.

GOT WRONG

Keeping his cool – Being fouled is nothing new for Sanchez. Yet his reaction just before the break was unwarranted. Silly bookings can come to sting at the end of the season.

Stop the diving – Players can get reputations in the Premier League and it will not have gone unnoticed how easily Sanchez went to ground on several occasions. With his awesome set-piece delivery, he does not want to be denied possible opportunities by suspicious referees.

KEY MOMENTS

27th min CHANCE: Put on the afterburners and made Lossl spring across his goal to push away from 20 yards

29th min DIVE: Sanchez should feel embarrassed if he watches this moment back. Went down screaming for a penalty when Kongolo made no contact.

45th min +2 BOOKING: Looked to give retribution and picked on Hadergjonaj.

47th min CHANCE: Showed dancing feet inside the box and his shot was kept out by Smith.

48th min CHANCE: Same scenario saw Kongolo come to the rescue.

68th min PENALTY MISS AND GOAL: After being upended seconds earlier by Hefele, his low efforts to the left was blocked by Lossl. Kept a steely eye to slot in the rebound for a debut goal at Old Trafford.

73rd minute GREAT PASS: Tees up substitute Paul Pogba, but his effort is skewed wide.

VERDICT

United could have asked for little more from their new hero on home soil. He looked rejuvenated after his half season spent sulking at Arsenal.

Sanchez’s sights will now be set on repeating such antics in the Champions League on February 21 for the visit to La Liga’s Sevilla in the round of 16.

RATING: 8/10

All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com