This past Saturday, United fans experienced the joy of watching newly-signed Alexis Sanchez for the first time on the Old Trafford pitch. Sanchez completed the move late in the winter transfer window from Arsenal to United, as he was genuinely unhappy with the Gunners. He links up with big names like Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku at his new club. The Red Devils are looking more menacing in the attack with the addition of the Chilean international. Anticipation was high, but standards stood higher as Sanchez was set to play with the iconic number seven kit, previously worn by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Everyone knows how talented a football player Alexis is, but displaying that skill for the home crowd in Manchester was a momentous step.

Huddersfield held their ground

Huddersfield Town came into Old Trafford sitting in 19th place on the Premier League table. Regardless, they played with grit and brought physicality during the whole match. They successfully held United to a frustrating scoreless opening half as a result. However, that did not stop Sanchez from displaying genius technical ability. He held possession well, made pacy dribbles in the attacking third of the field, and linked up exceptionally well with his new teammates Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata in the midfield. Along with Lukaku in the strike force, they created numerous chances, but not clinical enough to convert and get on the scoresheet during the first half.

Manchester United front line is too skilled

During the second half, United continued to press Huddersfield's defensive back line while holding possession but also swinging in crosses with intent via Valencia, Mata, Lingard, and Sanchez. The Reds finally hit the back of the net in the 55th minute of play when Juan Mata made a brilliant left-footed cross into the box that Lukaku tucked away cleanly with a sweet volley touch into the bottom left corner.

Huddersfield's physical football continued into the second half as they committed 19 fouls that led to four yellow cards in total, according to ESPN. Huddersfield players challenged Sanchez throughout the game, fouling him seven times, one of which awarded him with a penalty at the edge of the 18-yard box. Alexis was willing to make his debut goal for United by shooting from the spot, but the reality was unforeseen.

Sanchez's penalty shot to the keeper's right was initially saved, but the ball deflected back and allowed an eager Sanchez the opportunity to sweep away his mistake. An easy tap-in finish for his introductory goal in front of the buzzing Stretford End Manchester United fans was exciting nonetheless. Ultimately, the Red Devils were too skilled for the Huddersfield side. Mourinho's men held 74% of the total possession according to ESPN. It was evident that they outclassed their opposition throughout the game.

The end result was a Manchester United victory that brought them three points on the table, a confident Jose Mourinho, and a Man of the Match for Sanchez.
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