If you’re reading this, it means Alexis Sanchez has just completed a high profile swap deal to Manchester United with Henrikh Mkhitaryan heading to the Emirates. While many have been disappointed in Alexis’ performances on the pitch this season, his Fantasy output has likely been better than you think.
A lot of pundits have accused the Chilean star of not putting in the effort thus far this season but, fortunately, “effort” is not a category in Fantasy scoring. The biggest knock against Alexis has been that the goals and assists just aren’t there this term so far.
That is really only the case if you are comparing himself with, well, himself from last season though. He is actually creating chances and shooting at a higher rate this campaign than last, and is shooting just one percentage point (57%) lower than his Premier League average (58%). Yes his goals and assists are down thus far but those should return to the mean sooner rather than later and, with that, should come many Fantasy points.
It’s not as though Alexis has been an unproductive few months thus far though. He is currently on pace for 14 goals and 10 assists, which would have made him the sixth highest scoring player in the Goal game last season! Whether or not he can keep up that level of performance at Manchester United obviously remains to be seen, but odds are that he will.
Getty/Man Utd composite
Jose Mourinho’s men have been having a pretty decent year but for the performance of their rivals. That said, the United attack could certainly be improved upon. They currently sit outside the top five in both chances created and shot accuracy both of which Alexis will boost the second he walks onto the pitch.
Where he will play is yet to be determined, though he did operate on the right for both Barcelona and Udinese so there is a chance it could be a three of Martial, Mata, and Alexis behind Lukaku. The player to be most concerned about right now would be Lingard. Despite his recent performances, the best thing about the 25-year-old was that he’d clearly beat out Mkhitaryan to the job. Now, with Alexis inbound, the waters have been thoroughly muddied.
Regardless of what position Alexis plays when he gets there, the Chilean will be a Fantasy star for the rest of the campaign with Manchester United.
