Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Southampton was the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford – and also marked the end of an old one.
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“I’m so happy with the organisation of the team”. United manager Mourinho had said that the player would be given “some minutes” but he went on to play the full match, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s two goals helped the home team to a comfortable win.
Having missed United’s 3-1 win at Bournemouth last weekend, Pogba was given a warm reception in his first game in the famous red of United at Old Trafford since a substitute appearance against West Bromwich Albion in March, 2012. He was a lanky, raw 19-year-old then; he returns to Unitedas a powerfully built star of world football.
The Red Devils’ triumph, courtesy of two Zlatan Ibrahimovic goals, was the first home match the club has played in almost 29 years without Ryan Giggs having an association with the club.
He had 103 touches of the ball, more than any other United player, with Antonio Valencia coming second with 74. I was just thinking of a player enjoying himself and trying things and expressing himself and as the game went on, yes sometimes things won’t come off, but he’s trying things and he’s releasing himself, he’s all over the pitch, he wants to get on the ball and it was a brilliant, brilliant performance when you take into consideration he’s only trained for a week, the price tag and he’s still only 23. “I hope to continue like this and get better and keep winning”.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice while Paul Pogba, the world’s most expensive player, impressed on his first outing in his second spell at the club, prompting the kind of atmosphere that has been increasingly rare in recent seasons of toil at Old Trafford. These are exciting times at United after three lean years since Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Ibrahimovic’s first goal came when he jumped above Jose Fonte and headed in Wayne Rooney’s cross. The Swedish striker was surrounded by defenders but rose highest to meet Rooney’s right-wing delivery and direct a header back into the corner. It’s hard to take this first goal, because we have some situations before Manchester United.
Mourinho replaced Louis van Gaal as United manager earlier in May.
“It is like a big puzzle”, Ibrahimovic said. Against a rejuvenated United outfit it was always going to be a tall order, however they will now target matches against Sunderland and Swansea City at home in the next three games as golden opportunities to kick-start their campaign.
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This was the first of a string of regular Friday night games in the Premier League, a new addition to the schedule this season.
