A controversial past has made the sensational moment between Ander Herrera and Alexis Sanchez after the Chelsea match even more epic than it already is.
Back in December 2017, just a month before joining Manchester United, Alexis Sanchez and Arsenal faced off with the Red Devils at the Emirates stadium.
Sanchez was, of course, in red hot form and a number of top European clubs including domestic rivals City and United were desperate for his services.
A lot was expected of the Chilean but he failed to inspire his side to a victory as the Gunners went down 3-1 thanks to strikes from Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard.
David de Gea showed off his inhuman capabilities as he parried away a record number of shots including a couple taken from the point blank range.
But it wasn’t only the heroics of the Spaniard that helped the Red Devils clinch the match but it also involved a gritty defensive performance from his national teammate Ander Herrera.
The midfielder showed wonderful energy and managed to break the rhythm of Arsenal’s game by simply creating a nuisance in the middle.
That along with the unbelievable saves from the keeper frustrated the Arsenal forwards including their talisman Sanchez who did something that, if true, was completely disrespectful.
The Chilean was seen to be arguing with Herrera before he glanced at the back of Herrera’s shirt and apparently said ‘who are you’?
What followed after this apparent moment of disregard and hate is more than incredible.
For the remainder of the 2017-18 season and the during first part of the season, the Spaniard kept fighting for his spot with Nemanja Matic.
But when former United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over the helm from Jose Mourinho, things began to change.
He started in the first match of the Red Devils under their new manager and scored his second goal of the season as United crush Cardiff City 5-1.
And as United stated to flourish under the Norwegian, Herrera became indispensable.
In the recent FA Cup fifth-round tie again Chelsea he again played an instrumental part by giving his side the early lead and putting in a shift in both defence and attack.
On the other hand, Alexis Sanchez struggled to impress at Manchester United following 34 million Euro deal that brought him to Old Trafford.
He was not included in the first-team against Chelsea and only featured as a 73rd-minute substitute for Romelu Lukaku.
The Chilean, however, worked extremely hard in his limited minutes and looked determined to get back to his lethal best.
And his efforts were appreciated and encouraged by none other than Ander Herrera in a brilliant gesture after the full-time whistle.
The Spaniard appeared to give him a few words of advice and inspiration before shoving him encouragingly in the chest.
It was instantly followed by a warm hug.
Just what can be termed as the highest level of irony, the once abused midfielder turned out to be one of the most important players of the United side and ended up inspiring his abuser to help him regain his form.
A true reflection of fighting spirit, solidarity and leadership from the Spanish international, don’t you think?
Check out the class act here –
Remember that time Alexis Sanchez tried to ask Ander Herrera who he was when he was playing for Arsenal.
