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Sanchez was fouled by Michael Hefele in the 67th minute and, despite United’s first-choice penalty taker Pogba being on the pitch, asked the Chilean if he could take it instead.
The Chilean missed the penalty, the third United player to do so this season, but scored the follow-up to give United a 2-0 win on his home debut.
But United manager Mourinho admitted he did not make the choice for Sanchez to take the penalty...
“It’s between him and Paul and I think Paul was a nice guy to him,” Mourinho told reporters after the game, according to the Metro.
“He understood it would be important to score and let him take the penalty, I don’t think is a dream goal for Alexis, every player prefers to score without a save and the second ball but it also show his attention to detail, his reaction and his desire, that’s fine.
“He played only three and the first at Old Trafford. Old Trafford, in spite of being a quiet stadium, the pitch is big, the grass is nice and the players feel very comfortable playing here.
“But I don’t want to individualise because the attacking players have so much quality, I have on the bench Rashford and Martial to bring into the game, they have so much quality I think is easy and in the future will be even easier for them to enjoy together,” added the manager.
“Alexis was enjoying the game, he arrived in the end completely dead but he was really enjoying the dynamic of the team and of the team’s game.”
"Alexis Sanchez has lost possession of the ball more times against Huddersfield (32) than any other Man United player has in a single Premier League game this season.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 3, 2018"
Sanchez was a regular target for Huddersfield’s fouls on Saturday, being dispossessed 32 times, but Mourinho believes the Chilean is used to rough treatment.
“His character is this one, no doubt, he’s a fantastic player but not a prima donna, he is a humble guy who doesn’t forget where he started and I am pretty sure that when he was plying in Chile he had difficult places to play and difficult opponents, I think he’s quite used to.
“The referees here have to analyse the game and make their decisions and that’s it, we have to live with that.”
Sanchez was playing his third game for United having failed to impress against Yeovil Town in the FA Cup and Tottenham Hotspur in the league.
Sanchez’s start to life at Old Trafford
Completing nine of his 11 take-ons at Old Trafford, Sanchez was fouled seven times by Huddersfield players.
The Chilean also created three chances for United, but was unable to make his mark in a poor first half for Mourinho’s men.
But after hitting the target with all three of his shots, including the two in the penalty drama and the goal he notched for his side, Sanchez started life at Old Trafford in a much brighter way than he had away from home.
Written by Harry Edwards
Posted by @pocarlee
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