Speaking after United’s 2-1 win over Leicester City in the Community Shield at Wembley, Mourinho told BT Sport: “It’s unbelievable that such a good player is with us”. Leicester equalised shortly after half-time when Jamie Vardy anticipated a clumsy backpass by Marouane Fellaini after the Belgian midfielder was unsettled by pacey substitute Ahmed Musa.
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Ibrahimovic leapt above Foxes captain Wes Morgan in the 83rd minute to head Antonio Valencia’s cross beyond goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, the Swede marking his official debut with a decisive contribution and securing United a record 21st Shield.
It is the first piece of silverware for a new-look United now under the leadership of Jose Mourinho but the much-travelled Ibrahimovic is determined to ensure it is not the last.
“We left today 7 players out of the group, and they are very good players that work so hard to be [very good], so we have the options, we have the players, we have the squad”.
Now all eyes will be on the Paul Pogba transfer saga, which should hopefully come to an end in the next few days when he finalises an £89 million move from Juventus. “We are a team and they understand that”.
United finished fifth in the Premier League last season and won the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal before sacking the Dutchman shortly afterwards. The summer signing is confident that his performances will improve as the weeks go by, as he develops a greater understanding with his new team-mates.
Ibrahimovic saw little of the ball in the Leicester box until he scored the victor with only his second effort at goal and his partnership with Wayne Rooney is clearly in its early stages.
‘We are at the start.
Mourinho played down the incident and said he had taken Mata off to help his team defend against long balls.
Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney celebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Community Shield. He gave me exactly what I needed.
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“I also want to dedicate to the seven players who did not play, It hurts me to leave behind the likes of Depay, Jones, Young”. Jose Mourinho – a trophy-winner one game into his United stint – is happy about this.
