After months of speculation, hundreds of millions spent on summer signings and a plenty of quotable one liners, Mourinho and Manchester United finally got their premier league campaign underway.
And a steady start it was for the Red Devils as they took 3 points with 3 goals from the usual suspects. Much to the surprise of United fans, Juan Mata got the start under Mourinho and got the campaign underway with the first goal of the season with 5 minutes to go in the first half.
Mata has been linked towards being the first big name stars on the way out under Mourinho’s rule but the little spaniard looked in control, exercised a fantastic workrate and showed why he would be worth keeping around.
That’s not to say that United didn’t take time to grow into the game. It took a double error by Simon Francis to grab the opener. Wayne Rooney returned to a more advanced attacking role and it took some time for him to become acclimate himself. Eventually, he looked more at ease with his passing and control and spearheaded the much improved United attack by heading home United’s second with 30 minutes to play.
It was something of a different feel about United attack from last year’s stifled strains under Louis Van Gaal. Perhaps it was Mourinho, perhaps it was Louis Van Gaal’s departure, or perhaps it was the one signing brought on to do just one thing. Score goals.
Zlatan announced his arrival in spectacular fashion. After scoring the winning goal in United’s Community Shield win over Leicester City last week, he was eager to open up his Premier League goalscoring account.
He did so with a superb strike in the 64th minute as he stroked it past Artur Boruc. It was classic Zlatan at his best scoring goals where others have no business even trying for.
His flick on to Rooney should have ended with a goal but his hold up play, strength and determination showed just how important a signing he will be in the season to come for United.
Bournemouth grabbed a consolation goal as Martial was caught sleeping on a through pass but this was a complete performance by Mourinho’s men. It can only get better with Paul Pogba expecting to make his debut for United in the weeks to come. He will add even more threat, control and poise to the United midfield.
Mourinho has never lost an opening game in the Premier League and his 100% record stays in tact. Many have questioned Mourinho’s arrival and if it’s the right thing for United. Today proved that he was not about to fall victim to his predecessor’s follies.
He looked fierce on the touchline, full of passion and fire. He demanded more of his players even when United led by 2 goals. Mourinho will always be a careful manager when it comes to tactics but 3 goals and 3 points in his first match has gotten United off to a fiery start and something exciting to look forward to this season.