Been doing some scouting of Sanchez, and trying to figure out where we should play him and get the best out of him and the current side too.
Current position at Arsenal
At Arsenal, he plays inside left/second striker.. pretty much where Martial operates and where Lingard does too. Which at first glance presents a bit of a problem as that is where we are strongest, and those two are our biggest threats. No doubt, Sanchez is superior to either so if that is 100% his best position, the other two would have to move around to adapt.
Current position (Chile)
For Chile he used to play on the right, like at Barca but with more freedom to come in and playmake.. bit like Mata but combined with Nani if that makes sense. These days, he's more of a LW/10.. bit like at Arsenal but more direct.
Where will he play at United?
Its a tough one to call. I have seen calls to play him at striker.. but honestly, he drops very deep to even play as a false 9 and I don't think he has enough goals in him to put him as our de facto striker and older he gets, less pace he will have to be the lone forward. Therefore I see him operating behind a 9 for sure.
Now, is it behind the striker or on the right/left where we will see him. Once again, I would argue that whilst we should try and use him down the right in combination with Valencia.. the chances are, he will ask to be used in a free role.. more to the left and behind the striker. Which means either he takes Martials place down the left, or Lingards (who would shift to the right temporarily or be benched by end of the season).
I personally think Martial and Sanchez up top as a duo would be deadly, as a counter-attacking duo that is pretty scary. Him and Lukaku, would be decent but if we want the best out of Sanchez.. we need a fluid set up with plenty of runners, one-touch passing ala Chile/Arsenal. Making it too static would not suit him and would limit his impact.
So initially..
Martial Lukaku Sanchez
Lingard
Pogba Matic
With Sanchez interchanging Lingard, and
if we get a RW this window.. Sanchez going central I think.
Martial Lukaku Lucas
Sanchez
Pogba Matic
Really tough to envision how his role will pan out and what signings we get. All I know is that the key is to build around him, as he is at his best when you don't put him in chains.