The money has unquestionably spoken and dictated this transfer, however, similar to the paper thin 'argument' that United would be top if we weren't having such a historic season we've wrecked the curve on the perception of this deal
Sanchez immediately improves and strengthens our nearest and direct rival, that much is undeniable. It's also not a backwards or sideways step for him; it's a step forward leaving Arsenal for United as it stands. They won't be devoid of challenging or even winning trophies.
However, as much as it was ten/fifteen years ago that moving to United was the step up for a footballer and that that could be considered the ceiling for someone, there's also a (considerable) step up from United now; of which we are included.
When I say we've "wrecked the curve" what I'm trying to say is that if we weren't interested in Sanchez, moving from Arsenal to United wouldn't be a move that someone could use to question his motives really. But like Keown has said his decision hasn't been based upon what's best for his career because, ultimately, we did want him and he talked himself out of it. That's an undeniable fact for even the most ignorant of United fans.
The reasonable ones, if there are any, will accept that not only are we a level ahead and as much as a signing like this helps to try and counter that the only way they're achievable is by throwing obscene money at them in compensation for the two club's comparative success'.
Which leads to those articles about Ed Woodward that claim he believes he's "embarrassed" ourselves and Chelsea by getting this deal done, that United fans think they've gotten one over on us and put us in our place. When in reality all he's done is walked up to Sanchez, his agent and the Arsenal board, lined them all up, dropped to his knees and made like a circus seal. There's been no guile, no cunning, no skill in this from him/them just "What do you want.. OK done!".
They have no sustaining recruitment model, they're just focused on getting the most retweets and selling a few shirts so they're happy to enter into these auctions and accept that the reason player's sign for them these days is because they've bid the most. Whereas we're signing players who want to play for us and buy into what we do.
Sure what will happen next season when De Gea's contract is up? He'll be wanting MORE than Sanchez, he is United essentially. Any player they sign from here on in, let alone renew, will use that as the benchmark because as a club they've shown they'll pay it. They may be a cash cow but they've opened a can of worms and the expense of a 29 year old who'll improve them in the short term but still leave them lingering behind us.
We thought we had that with Sanchez but he's shown himself to be nothing short of a whore basically. Which, fair play to him, if you're happy to accept crazy money then why not? If you're happy to spend crazy money then why not? Just don't take any moral high-ground and give it the big "I am" when in reality they've just willingly bent over and taken a rodgering as they watch us from 12 points back.
