Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FA CUP 4TH ROUND
THE famous No.7 shirt already looks made to measure for Alexis Sanchez.
After all, it takes big shoulders to wear such an iconic piece of Manchester United history after the likes of George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Others would shy away from it, but Sanchez will never have such fears as his ego is just as big as his talent.
It was an unlikely setting for his debut as Huish Park holds less than 10,000 fans, and it was against a team fourth from bottom in League Two.
But Sanchez’s first hame was still memorable, he provided two assists – for Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera – and you could also see his infectious enthusiasm and class.
Yes, you have to take the opposition into account but Sanchez appears to have introduced some of the ruthlessness that United’s attack has been lacking.
Even when he was kicked – and his ankles and legs were probably left black and blue by Yeovil’s bruisers – Sanchez still got up and tried to inflict more damage.
United’s fans chanted Sanchez’s name as frequently as one about Best and, while that is some legend to live up to, it does not look as if it will worry the Chilean.
The Yeovil fans quickly made it clear that Sanchez’s mega contract – earning more than £400,000-a-week – has made him public enemy No.1.
But it was the minnows who started with real energy and momentum, they had the first shot on target as left winger Jordan Green broke into the penalty box but his low shot was saved by United keeper Sergio Romero’s legs.
Suddenly, Huish Park, decked out in green and white, could sense the chance of FA Cup folklore. United looked a strange mix-and-match of first-teamers, squad players and youngsters.
Green was making a fool of United full back Matteo Darmian, won a free-kick on the left, the ball was whipped in but defender Omar Sowunmi headed tamely at Romero. Sowunmi should have scored. Finally, United created something as Juan Mata found Sanchez who set up Scott Mctominay and the kid should have scored but was denied by a terrific save by Yeovil keeper Artur Krysiak.
United were beginning to get into their stride – but Yeovil defender Nathan Smith quickly ensured it was a game that Sanchez would never forget.
Smith smashed into him with a crude challenge to earn a booking and give United a free-kick 25 yards out.
Sanchez picked himself up, dusted himself down and whipped a free-kick around the wall only for Krysiak to save at full stretch.
Sure enough, it was Sanchez who helped set up United’s 41st-minute opener, driving forward towards the Yeovil box and, as the defenders surrounded him, the home side finally cracked and let in United.
Yeovil defender Tom James hesitated and dawdled on the ball, and Rashford nipped in and smashed the ball home.
United’s second came after 61 minutes and it came after a Yeovil corner. Jake Gray’s corner was cleared by Luke Shaw, Mata carried on the counter attack and Sanchez’s brilliant reverse pass set up Herrera to drive home.
That was job done, United into the fifth round and Sanchez went off after 72 minutes to a standing ovation.
Sub Jesse Lingard made it 3-0 with a fine solo effort on 88 minutes, and Romelu Lukaku made it four in stoppage time.