Manchester United’s Shrewd Signing, Thoughts On Mata And Zlatan – Looking Back At Mourinho’s First Game

Jose Mourinho kicked off his Premier League campaign as Manchester United manager with a comfortable 3-1 win over top-flight minnows Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Juan Mata opened the scoring five minutes before the interval following an almighty mix-up between defender Simon Francis and goalkeeper Artur Boruc. Wayne Rooney added a second at the cusp of the hour mark with an improvised header from Anthony Martial’s wayward strike and Zlatan Ibrahimović made it two goals in as many competitive appearances for his new club with an excellent low drive from 25 yards into Boruc’s bottom right-hand corner. Adam Smith’s well-crafted effort past David de Gea moments later would ultimately prove to be nothing more than a scant consolation as Bournemouth failed to repeat their heroics against the same opposition back in December.

While United looked uninspired and bereft of ideas in the first half, they enjoyed a fruitful twenty-minute spell in the second and got their season off to an ideal start. Here are three things we picked up from their Premier League opener:

Zlatan needs a quick runner to complement his abilities:

While the first half was far from productive for both Zlatan Ibrahimović and Wayne Rooney, it became increasingly clear that the former’s link up play is at it’s lordly best when there is a teammate running behind the opposition’s defence. Ibrahimović produced a wonderful piece of skill to play Wayne Rooney through on goal ten minutes into the second half only for the England international to scuff his attempt. Being a strong physical presence in any side, Ibrahimović is likely to be aided by someone who has the pace to convert his neat little passes in the final third. Marcus Rashford might benefit from the Swede’s vision and understanding of the game.

Juan Mata has plenty to offer and ought not to be sacrificed:

The appointment of Jose Mourinho in the summer instantly raised questions regarding the future of Spanish playmaker, Juan Mata. After all, it was Mourinho who sanctioned Mata’s big money move to Manchester United in the winter transfer window, despite knowing the Spaniard had been Chelsea’s best player in the two years leading to his second tenure at Stamford Bridge. If that wasn’t enough, his bizarre substitution in the dying moments of the Community Shield clash against Leicester City further fuelled speculation about the working relationship between the two.

There was little if any indication that their problems had manifested in the days leading to the opening weekend of the Premier League as Mata was handed a start on Sunday afternoon. He duly rewarded his manager for his decision with a goal in the first half, albeit an untidy one and looked lively throughout the game.  Only time will tell whether Mourinho continues to play him ahead of the new acquisition, Henrikh Mkhitaryan but as it stands, he is definitely an important part of United’s identity.

Eric Bailly could prove to be a shrewd signing:

One of four major signings made by Mourinho in the summer, Eric Bailly was a relatively unknown prospect when the rumours regarding his imminent move began doing the rounds on social media. The Ivorian was United’s man of the match against Leicester City in the Community Shield and deservedly picked up his second accolade against Bournemouth. Bailly looked extremely calm and composed on the ball and introduced himself to the United faithful with a series of imposing challenges, thereby unsettling the hosts’ rhythm in the process. Having earned a reputation as a quick, versatile centre-back in Spain with Villarreal, Bailly has made a positive start to life in England although there are far sterner tests to come. The future looks bright for the youngster, though.