Five Cantonas

There’s something a little strange about the fact that we’re suddenly all over Alexis Sanchez, according to the back pages.

Firstly, it appears to have turned into something of a bidding war, with every club worth their salt and Manchester City all interested in the Udinese fellow. We don’t usually play that game.

Secondly, wide midfield isn’t really an area that we are desperate for reinforcements, nor is the second striker role, which is where Sanchez is most effective according to some.

Lastly, we’ve been watching Alexis Sanchez for years. If we rate him that highly, then why have we waited so long to swoop for him?

Don’t get me wrong, I have been hypnotised by his stepovers on YouTube and lost my shit a little when he hit four goals in 55 minutes in a Serie A game but, as brilliant as he looks to our untrained eyes, why haven’t we already tried to buy him?

Either Sir Alex has had a sea change in his opinion of Sanchez based on the past twelve months which, given the fact that every man and his dog knew about his potential, is unlikely, or the tabloids have got it completely wrong and we’re not after Sanchez at all.

Don’t get me wrong. I would absolutely love to see Sanchez at the club, as much as I would love to see any young player with the world at their feet at Manchester United, but there’s just something a little bit off kilter about this one, and I can’t quite place my finger on it.