Jose Mourinho is considering giving Alexis Sanchez a new role in the Manchester United team following his match-winning cameo off the bench against Newcastle last time out.
The Chilean has endured a difficult start to the season and was axed from the squad against West Ham, while only made the bench against Newcastle, though finally netted to end a scoring drought that stretches back to April in the FA Cup.
Mourinho used Sanchez as a second striker in that match, playing just off Romelu Lukaku, and Bleacher Report claim it might not be the last time he lines up through the middle.
The 29-year-old plays predominantly off the left wing, and was reportedly unhappy about being moved to the right against Valencia in the Champions League. But he is more open to being used in a central role, and Mourinho is ready to give him a run of games in that position when the season resumes after the international break.
Lukaku has been virtually ever-present for United under Mourinho, but the Portuguese coach sees Sanchez as a means of easing the Belgian’s work load.
Moving the Chilean into a central role, or even leading the line on his own, would allow Lukaku to be rested occasionally, while they also dovetailed nicely against Newcastle when paired together at the end of the match.
It would also allow United to field a more attacking line-up, with either Anthony Martial – who also scored against Newcastle – or Marcus Rashford providing width and pace on the left wing.
The Red Devils face a very testing run of games after the international break, including a trip to Stamford Bridge, home and away matches against Juventus and a derby away to fierce rivals Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have reportedly made a mammoth bid to sign Atletico Madrid star Lucas Hernandez. Jose Mourinho was desperate to sign a central defender in the summer transfer window but United’s board refused to pay over the odds for the likes of Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld and Jerome Boateng.
After a dismal start to the season, with United conceding 14 goals in the Premier League, Mourinho is already looking ahead to January and has spoken with executive vice-chairman about potential targets. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the Red Devils have made a ‘dizzying offer’ for Atleti defender Lucas following his heroics at the 2018 World Cup with France.
It’s claimed United have told Lucas that they will double his current wages if he agrees to complete a move to Old Trafford – and he’s open to the move.