Jose Mourinho dedicated the Red Devils’ 2-1 victory over Leicester City in Sunday’s Community Shield to former boss Louis van Gaal.
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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.
Jesse Lingered opened the scoring for United with a fine individual goal in the 32nd minute before Jamie Vardy levelled 20 minutes prior to Ibrahimovic’s headed victor in the 83rd minute.
Forlan, whose final appearance for United in August 2004 came in Mourinho’s first Premier League match as Chelsea manager, feels the lack of Champions League football will also boost his old club’s title chances. “It wasn’t. It’s always important to start with a trophy”.
“I would be not ambitious if I say that we had a fantastic performance because it was not a fantastic performance”.
Manchester United are back on the front foot again.
“We are trying to change and the second goal is a great example of that. We want to win and everybody is happy in the end”.
Mourinho was equally restrained in his praise for Ibrahimovic, who despite his victor, had a quiet game in attack for the Emirates FA Cup holders.
Ibrahimovic won it after Vardy – following Fellaini’s poor back-pass – cancelled out Lingard’s first-half opener.
The 28-year-old has become a somewhat maligned figure at Old Trafford, with many fans questioning his quality and suitability to United’s traditional style of play, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be a part of Jose Mourinho’s plans next season with midfielder Paul Pogba set to arrive from Juventus.
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“Like Leicester last season they can give their big players a week’s rest between games, and that could make all the difference for them”.
