'Superbad' Alexis Sanchez fails to impress again in Man United's 0-0 draw against Valencia

Alam Khan - Reporter 01:36 03/10/2018
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Manchester United’s misery continued as their winless run extended to four games as they failed to overcome Valencia in their Group H clash.

    In a drab 0-0 encounter at Old Trafford, they struggled to overcome their resolute Spanish visitors to leave Jose Mourinho’s future under scrutiny again.

    Marcos Rashford was a lively presence in the first half and twice went close, but United were below par again.

    They raised their game after the break and Paul Pogba had a shot pushed over and Romelu Lukaku was twice denied by Valencia keeper Neto. A drive was first pushed away before the Brazilian keeper blocked with his legs.

    Valencia had their moments and Goncalo Guedes tested David De Gea, but curled another good chance wide.

    They will be happy with the point, which ends their run of four successive defeats in the competition – their worst-ever streak in the Champions League.

    A TEAM IN TORMENT

    While still debatable for some, this was arguably United’s best side in terms of reputation and form.

    This was the perfect moment for them to justify it – and show their support for the manager. Performances and results will determine the fate of Jose Mourinho, not speculation.

    He wanted a show of unity after all the rumblings over unrest at the club and his future – and would have demanded a response on the pitch after the woeful 3-1 loss at West Ham.

    Instead, United were tame, timid and almost terrified of losing rather than gamble on winning. The crowd urged them to attack, but they were sloppy and apprehensive.

    If these players, the best he has got, cannot produce against a struggling La Liga side then it does not augur well for Mourinho.

    Yet he did not waver in his backing of his players, in public this time anyway. As the pressure and tension increased, Mourinho voiced support.

    One moment when Alexis Sanchez fired a free kick into the wall and Eric Bailly hit the follow up wide from 40 yards. Whether it was an intended pass or shot it was poor and there was some derision from the stands. Mourinho, though, raced out to applaud him for trying. Bailly was making only his fourth
    start of the season and he was one of those out of favour, but proved a point. Others did not.

    Manchester United v Valencia - UEFA Champions League Group H

    SEVEN HEAVEN

    In Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal have been blessed with a couple of great number sevens and wing wonders. Now could be the coming of another should Goncalo Guedes develop his undoubted potential just as that duo did. The 21-year-old has all the attributes to be a magnificent seven.

    With pace and skill, the strong-running style was reminiscent of Figo and Ronaldo – and so too the swagger. With the freedom to drive forward and create, Guedes had the opportunity to showcase his talents at Old Trafford. He was once coveted by United, but chose to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 when he left Benfica, the club for whom he made his senior debut at just 17. He has long been touted as the next big thing ever since that and it is easy to understand why.

    What he needs now is to mould his all-round game and provide an end product and a finish. Guedes was integral to Valencia’s attack here, linking well and leading brisk counter-attacks with confidence and conviction.

    The only problem was his shots ended up hitting defenders or going wide and he chose to pass when presented with a great second-half chance. His best goalscoring tally for a season is five at Benfica and then Valencia, while on loan last summer. Work on that and he could well be a world-beater.

    Manchester United v Valencia - UEFA Champions League Group H

    FROM SUPERSTAR TO SUPERBAD

    In contrast to Guedes, United’s own No7, Alexis Sanchez, endured another torrid time. Dropped for the debacle against West Ham, he was given a chance to redeem himself, to restore belief in his ability and much-needed confidence. On this evidence, he doesn’t deserve to start with Anthony Martial and Juan
    Mata more deserving.

    Sanchez was once a bundle of energy and brilliance, whether it was at Barcelona, Arsenal or Chile’s national team. Against Valencia he was a bumbling mess, constantly taking the wrong option and running into trouble and team-mates.

    He’s always looked, and played, better in a central role rather than on the wing, but that’s no excuse. He just seemed to lack ideas or be able to find the space to break down a resolute Valencia backline.

    He has just three goals to show for his reported £500,000-a-week wage packet since his January move to United – and frankly that’s a disgrace. There were cheers when he was replaced by Martial. It is sad to see how a player has fallen so badly and gone from being a superstar to superbad.

    Recommended