Jose Mourinho started his Manchester United tenure today against Bournemouth. The Red Devils secured a comfortable 3-1 victory with goals coming from Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Mourinho gave Premier League debuts to Ibrahimovic and Bailly, while Mkhitaryan started on the bench. Paul Pogba was suspended for this match and will have to wait for his United debut till next week. The game started at a quick pace but soon settled down. It wasn’t until the 40th minute that Manchester United found the back of the net. It was pretty weird to see Juan Mata scoring the first goal of Mourinho’s reign, given that the Spaniard and the manager do not share a very friendly relation.
David De Gea -8
Didn’t have a lot to do as Bournemouth failed to get that final shot. Did not have a chance with Adam Smith’s consolation goal.
Eric Bailly -8
Another solid performance from the new recruit definitely deserves a starting place more than anyone else.
Daley Blind -7
Struggled a bit in the first half but settled in comfortably after United took the lead. Was solid in challenged but a little shaky in the build up to Bournemouth’s goal
Luke Shaw -7
Still finding his feet after recovering from a horror double leg fracture last season. Got better as the game went on. Will definitely improve as he plays more games.
Valencia -9
Has been superb form this summer, got forward much more than his teammate on the other flank. Provided that all important cross for Rooney’s header.
Marouane Fellaini-8
A very good game for the Belgian international. Screened the back four excellently, making some very crucial interceptions. Mourinho will be pleased with his performance, given the criticism he has come under recently.
Juan Mata -8
How fitting that it was Juan Mata who scored the first goal of Jose Mourinho Manchester United managerial career. Was substituted in the second half with a pat on the back from the boss.
Wayne Rooney-7
Scored the second goal of the game with a beautifully placed header. He and Ibrahimovic linked with throughout the match and it was their interchanging of passes and movement that kept the home team’s defenders confused.
Anthony Martial-8
Not impressive in the first half but grew into the game as the time went by. Looks to have put his disappointing European Championship campaign behind him now.
Ander Herrera -7
Kept things moving in the centre of the pitch. Played some excellent passes upfront and even some misguided once. A decent display which will definitely raise his confidence.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 8
Didn’t do much in the first half but boy what a goal to kick-start his Premier League career. Superb strike to seal the match for Manchester United.