Manchester United star Alexis Sanchez lost possession 34 times against Crystal Palace… and it wasn’t even his worst performance of 2018
Jose Mourinho's men stormed from two goals down to win, but it was no thanks to the Chilean who struggled to keep the ball
MANCHESTER UNITED star Alexis Sanchez lost possession 34 times against Crystal Palace on Monday... and it wasn't even his worst performance of 2018.
Jose Mourinho's men stormed from two goals down to win 3-2 at Selhurst Park, but it was no thanks to the Chilean who struggled to keep possession all game.
In fact, 35.4 per cent of the time Sanchez got the ball, he went on to lose it.
While much of that can be attributed to the former Arsenal star's attacking mindset, it's still a staggeringly high percentage.
Since leaving the Gunners in January, Sanchez has found keeping hold of the ball something of a chore.
For instance, the ex-Barcelona flyer has lost the ball 36 times in a game on TWO separate occasions for United in just five Premier League games.
Those fixtures were the 2-0 win over Huddersfield - where Sanchez scored - and the shock 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.
After the 3-2 win over Palace, former United legend Gary Neville had his say on Sanchez's performance, calling him "poor".
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Nev revealed: "Alexis was poor tonight, there's no doubt about that.
"He was trying to play one-twos from 40 yards from goal. He is no good from there.
"For me, I see Alexis Sanchez as being at his best in the left channel, attacking defenders, committing them, playing one-two combination.
"He has to try and get in those positions for Manchester United."
Amazingly, during the game Sanchez mustered only THREE touches in the opposition penalty area - way below his season average of seven.
At this point it is clear Mourinho is unsure of Sanchez's best position for the Old Trafford side - with Romelu Lukaku the main central striker and Anthony Martial excelling at times on the left-wing.
In trying to come deep in order to make things happen, Sanchez is actually becoming a real problem for United.
So while pundits and fans alike jump on Paul Pogba's poor form, maybe it's time Sanchez copped some of the flak, too...