The deal has been done.
Alexis Sanchez is no longer an Arsenal player, finalising his move to Manchester United earlier this week.
His first run out in United colours came in the FA Cup fourth round tie at Yeovil, where he was named in the starting line-up by Jose Mourinho.
BBC Sport were there to cover the game, with Arsenal legend Ian Wright stepping in alongside Alan Shearer for punditry duty. Martin Keown was on co-commentary, up in the gantry.
As you might expect, it didn’t take long for the host Gary Lineker to ask for Wright’s thoughts on the news that the Chilean was starting the game. Understandably, Wright found it difficult to put aside his feelings on seeing Sanchez plying his trade for United. He commented:
“I was a bit sick in my mouth about that one, to be honest. It’s done and it’s a shame to see but it’s a new chapter for him. I don’t know what else to say about this. It’s too fresh!”
All #Arsenal fans are thinking it.
Wrighty says it… #MUFC #Sanchez pic.twitter.com/Uwil5Vptcd
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 26, 2018
Sanchez started the game alongside Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata. Jose Mourinho opted to rest several of his stars, with the likes of Paul Pogba, David De Gea and Anthony Martial not even being named in the match squad.
Once the game got underway, Keown took up the running. Sanchez was feeling his way into the game, with some lovely passes mixed with some loose balls and a scuffed shot wide. Here were a couple of Keown’s gems:
“Sanchez giving the ball away for the umpteenth time.”
“He’s hardly passed to Rashford at all… ignoring him a little bit.”
“Sanchez dropping back too far. Mourinho will have to have a word.”
[On Sanchez joining United over Manchester City]: “Call me old-fashioned but don’t you sign for the best team? Well, don’t you?”
Keown's bitterness towards Sanchez is just great TV!! 🤐 pic.twitter.com/MliLSdG0B7
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) January 26, 2018
It was awkward but it was great TV.
