Bournemouth 1 Manchester United 3 – Ibrahimović’s debut delight

Bournemouth 1 Manchester United 3 – Ibrahimović’s debut delight

By
Brayden May
-
0
SHARE

Manchester United have got the Jose Mourinho era off to the perfect start with a strong 3-1 against Bournemouth away from home at the Vitality Stadium.

The Red Devils opened the scoring in the 40th minute as Juan Mata pounced on a loose back pass from Cherries’ captain Simon Francis before tapping home after he saw his initial effort save by Artur Boruc.

United killed off the game with captain Wayne Rooney heading home before Zlatan Ibrahimović put the game beyond doubt with a long-range effort.

Full-back Adam Smith grabbed what turned out to be a consolation goal for the home side with 20 minutes remaining when he cut inside and lashed a shot past David De Gea into the top corner.

Zlatan Ibrahimović’s debut delight

The giant Swede dramatically improved after the half time break, showcasing his skill, leadership and deadly eye for goal. It was a turn of events that pleased his manager, and will have the United faithful lying in wait for the introduction of Paul Pogba next weekend against Southampton at Old Trafford.

United’s efficiency in the transfer market this summer will have been the envy of most clubs across Europe, as the club eyes a return to the pinnacle of domestic and European football.

While the 34-year-old Ibrahimović will almost certainly not be apart of Mourinho’s long-term plans, his aforementioned footballing traits can be effectively utilised to regain a fearful aura around the 20-time champions of England.

United make the perfect start under Mourinho

Jose Mourinho couldn’t have asked for a better start to his Manchester United career. The Portuguese manager’s men put the game beyond doubt by establishing a three goal cushion, before weather a late storm from the hosts.

As the game went on, United looked more assured on the ball and players had a greater understanding of their new teammates. Fans will have been pleased to see that the Reds did not waste time in getting forward, whilst patient the Reds did not needlessly pass backwards and forwards instead looking to pick apart the Bournemouth defence, using the pace of Martial and clever link up play of Ibrahimović with increasing effectiveness.

Eddie Howe needed to make changes earlier

With United leading the game 1-0 at the break, Howe’s hesitancy to change the system was met with the visitors blasting toward a 3-0 lead.

Despite only leading the game by a single goal United look assured and in control of the game, earlier substitutions could have given Mourinho much more food for thought with the game still in the balance. The introduction of Grabban did have an impact on the game, but United’s momentum could not be countered by that stage.

Heading into an away trip to the Olympic Stadium against West Ham next weekend, it will simply be a matter of lessons learnt for Howe.

What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR