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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez needs his own Fernando Torres moment against Barcelona

"UNBELIEVABLE!

"The last 18 months have just been forgotten in two seconds."

Gary Neville's commentary of 'that' Fernando Torres goal against Barcelona seven years ago will forever be etched into the folklore of the Champions League.

Manchester United go into their quarter-final second-leg on Wednesday in a similar mood to Roberto Di Matteo's side all those years ago, and they'll be hoping their own misfit manages to finally repay the faith which has been shown in him.

Like that Chelsea side a turbulent season has been saved by a club favourite and now the team are in with an outside shot of achieving the unthinkable and winning the Champions League.

Not only are there similarities within the managerial situation at either club, but the fact that both rely on a January transfer flop to make their dreams come true.

Alexis Sanchez's move to United didn't possess the same transfer fee as the Spanish forward, but his transfer from a fellow top-four rival certainly attracted a similar amount of hype.

Yet despite all of the excitement surrounding him, Sanchez, like Torres, has failed miserably at fulfilling the brief bestowed upon him. However, like Neville said, all can still be forgotten in just two seconds.

"Didier Drogba is going to be replaced by Fernando Torres, who has not exactly been a raging success during his time at Chelsea. Could this be his moment?" the commentator added when Torres was subbed on in the 80th minute at the Nou Camp.

Ten minutes later the famous, "£50m has just been repaid" line would follow.

How Manchester United should line up vs Barcelona FC 

Chelsea's victory proved that playing ugly is still the most successful blueprint to adopt when trying to halt the Barcelona artistry at work, even if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says otherwise. A deep dogged defensive display will be crucial from United on Tuesday night, but they too will need that glimmer of magic up front in order to capitalise on any brief lapse in concentration.

Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku would still be the best suited to starting the game, with their intense pressing play crucial in capitalising on any nerves held by the Barcelona backline.

(CameraSport via Getty Images)

If Solskjaer's side are to have any chance of progression it is fair to presume they will need to do so with their backs against the wall. In such a situation it would be the perfect stage for Sanchez, who played the entirety of Barcelona's semi-final defeat to Chelsea, to step up.

United's trip to face Barcelona is not only their final chance of silverware this season, but it will surely be Sanchez's final chance of salvaging a stagnant career.

Gone are the days when the Chilean was one of the top attractions at the Nou Camp, instead he returns as a player who is rapidly dropping in reputation.

Yet seven years on from one of the most traumatic displays in his personal playing career, Sanchez now has the opportunity to save it.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could find new Manchester United captain vs Barcelona

Manchester United have four transfer priorities in summer window 

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