But he said: “It was an important goal, a clever goal, a goal by somebody with a natural instinct to play football”.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is “at the top of his qualities” and can spearhead Manchester United’s trophy drive both at home and in Europe, according to Jose Mourinho.
Juan Mata and captain Wayne Rooney were also on target at Bournemouth as United recorded a convincing win that left them top of the table after the season’s opening weekend.
“He knows what he can be for them as well as what he does with his performances”. Forget that he is 34, the body and the mentality is not of 34.
The hosts responded nearly immediately with Adam Smith scoring a consolation goal on 69 minutes but it was ultimately too little too late for the Cherries.
Ibrahimovic has now scored in both his appearances for Manchester United, having headed the victor against Leicester in the Community Shield last week, but says he is still getting used to life in England.
“Like everybody, I want to start so I’m happy to start today and show my quality and show the manager what I can do”.
Ibrahimovic had been anonymous in the first half, but he came to life after the interval, unfurling a typically extravagant volleyed backheel that sent Rooney clear for a shot saved by Boruc. These sorts of games were the ones where we conceded goals previous year so maybe when we go 2-0 down we need to be more defensive and stay in the game rather than chase it.
Many expected Mata to be heading for the exit door once again, with his brief appearance in the Community Shield only adding fuel to the fire, however Mourinho has insisted that Mata is part of his plans, and stated how important his opening goal was.
“We can always score goals and we can defend much better”, said their manager Juergen Klopp.
The 34-year-old Swedish legend, who joined United on a free transfer this summer, virtually sealed the game with a debut goal for the Red Devils at the 64th minute, pushing the team’s lead to 3-0.
Jose Mourinho’s appointment at United was surely a major factor in the iconic striker’s decision to move to Old Trafford as he’s always said his relationship with the Portuguese manager is fantastic from their time together at Inter Milan.
Liverpool players celebrate their first goal against Arsenal during the English Premier League match.
Rooney was pleased to leave a venue United lost at last season’s with three points, adding: “We created chances and looked a threat on the counter attack”.
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United, who also handed a first Premier League start to Eric Bailly, had found it hard to gain control on a ground where it suffered a 2-1 defeat last season before surprise starter Mata pounced on an error from Simon Francis.
