“Alexis Sanchez is here! He’s hungry to win all the trophies, Premier League, Champions League… “
He did not mention the FA Cup in his first official interview as a Manchester United player [with MUTV] but that is his new club’s priority coming into the next few days.
United have been drawn against Yeovil Town in the FA Cup fourth round. ‘The Glovers’ are currently 21st in League Two but they will put league worries aside to welcome United to Huish Park this Friday night.
Hours after Sanchez was announced as a United player, Yeovil posted a cosy picture of what could well be the dressing room for his debut.
You said you've joined "the biggest club in the world" @Alexis_Sanchez so it's only right you start your #MUFC career in the biggest away dressing room in @SkyBetLeagueTwo*.
*maybe 😉 #YTFC #Alexis7 pic.twitter.com/BVFt0A06Xk
— Yeovil Town F.C. (@YTFC) January 22, 2018
Sanchez may have missed out on the last couple of Arsenal games but he is fit and ready to go straight into action for United. The 29-year-old, if he features, will be taking on a squad made up of players that have mostly dwelt in the lower reaches of the league, but Yeovil currently have three players on loan from the Premier League.
Sam Surrige and Marcus Barnes are in the middle of respective loans from Bournemouth and Southampton while Darren Way did well to get in the highly thought of Liverpool defender Corey Whelan. The 20-year-old is one if two Irish players in line to face Sanchez and United this weekend.
Whelan grew up in Chester and was in the Liverpool underage set up from the age of 9 and has come up through the ranks. He has played five times for Ireland U21s and only made the loan switch to Yeovil earlier this month. He made his club, and professional football, debut in the 2-0 cup win over Bradford. He was used as a sub in Town’s 2-1 defeat to Chesterfield last weekend.
The other Irish player on Yeovil’s books is 24-year-old midfielder Connor Smith. The Mullingar native was with Watford for five seasons [2011 to 2016] and made eight appearances for the club before movin to AFC Wimbledon. He lasted a season there before switching to Plymouth Argyle and enjoying his most productive campaign – 31 appearances and 2 goals.
Despite helping Plymouth gain promotion to League One, Smith was released but he did not have to wait too long as Yeovil snapped him up. He has played 23 times so far this season and chipped in with an EFL Trophy goal. Smith has four appearances for Ireland U21s.
While both players were on the bench against Chesterfield, they will be hoping for a greater role for Friday’s visit of United. One strong showing, with millions watching on, could do wonders for their career.
Liverpool supporters will be watching closely if Whelan gets a starting run. He could be a cult hero yet for keeping Sanchez & Co. shackled.
