Jose Mourinho’s first Premier League encounter in charge of Manchester United resulted in a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at Dean Court.
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Mourinho explained it was important for United to get off the mark first.
United did not miss their world-record signing Paul Pogba, who was suspended, and Ibrahimovic linked well with Wayne Rooney.
When question as to what pleased him, he said: “The three points, the quality of our attacking football, the quality of our control, the quality of us defensively – we were very compact. But if he plays like he’s playing now, they have to love him because he’s being so important for us”.
Rooney looked set to double United’s lead early in the second half, latching onto Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s superb flick, but Boruc excellently blocked the visiting captain’s attempt.
Bournemouth were United’s opponents when they concluded a frustrating league campaign last season, but whereas the staid atmosphere at Old Trafford that day reflected the drab nature of Louis van Gaal’s reign, there was a whiff of revolution in the air on the genteel south coast as Mourinho’s reign got underway.
Ibrahimovic now has two goals in two United games, following his victor in the FA Community Shield against Leicester City. Theo Walcott fired in the first goal for the Gunners in the 31st minute, moments after missing a penalty.
United were gifted the breakthrough five minutes before half-time after a disastrous mistake by Francis.
Ander Herrera’s ball over the top was seemingly unthreatening but a short back-pass from Francis allowed Mata to poke an effort at goal, which Boruc saved, only for Francis to conveniently bundle the rebound to the attacker, who netted easily.
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Ibrahimovic, who arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint Germain in the close-season, capped United’s period of dominance with the goal of the day in the 64th minute.
