Still more to come from 'top-class' Alexis Sanchez, says Man Utd legend

Posted Wednesday, September 12, 2018 by squawka.com

Alexis Sanchez is still a 'top-class player' and will come good for Manchester United this season, according to ex-captain Bryan Robson.

Sanchez moved to Old Trafford from Arsenal in January, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving the other way, but has struggled to find his top form for the Red Devils.

Sanchez scored 80 goals in 166 games for Arsenal, prior to his move north, helping the Gunners to win two FA Cup's.

But during his time with United he has only managed 3 goals in 21 outings across all competitions and has looked a shadow of his former self.

However, Robson, who made 461 appearances for United between 1981 and 1994, is backing the Chilean international to rediscover his golden touch.

After Manchester was named the Greatest Sporting City 2018, Robson said (via Goal): "Sanchez is a top-class player. But we haven't seen the best of him at Manchester United so far.

"But I'm sure he'll get to the top of his game. This summer was the first summer he's had off for several years, and that should do him good.

"Sometimes, though, when you have a free summer and a fair few weeks off, it can take a little bit more time to come back really sharp and to get into the season.

"These first few games of the season are maybe just what he needs to sharpen him up and then hopefully we'll see the best of him for the rest of the season."

Robson has also backed striker Romelu Lukaku to hit the 30-goal mark for United this season but believes Sanchez, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial must also contribute if United are to challenge for the title this year.

Robson added: "You go through periods where you will score a lot of goals and a striker will go through a barren patch where he doesn't score for a few games.

"But with Rom, he just needs to keep getting into those positions that he managed at the weekend and he will get goals.

"The one thing that's guaranteed, as long as he stays free of injury – he will get up to the 30-goal mark for United again this season.

"It's also a matter of Sanchez, [Jesse] Lingard, [Anthony] Martial and [Marcus] Rashford all getting into double figures this season in terms of goals, if we're really going to challenge for the title.

"Lingard did well in terms of goals last season, getting into double figures, and it can't all fall on Lukaku.

"There are going to be periods in the season when he goes through that barren spell and doesn't score.

"When that happens, there have to be other people there who can score goals for United if we're going to be challenging for trophies."

United currently sit 10th in the Premier League table having picked up 6 points so far this season. Their next match is away to Watford, who won all 4 of their opening fixtures.