Zlatan Ibrahimovic will prove invaluable to a Manchester United squad that Jose Mourinho believes he has picked up off the floor. Jose Mourinho believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic will prove to be a "phenomenal" acquisition for Manchester United after the Swedish star marked his Premier League debut with a superb goal in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth. A week on from heading the winner in a 2-1 Community Shield triumph over Leicester City at Wembley, Ibrahimovic drilled home a superb long-range strike to conclude United's scoring in a routine victory at the Vitality Stadium. The goal means the 34-year-old has now scored on his maiden appearances in the Champions League, Serie A, LaLiga, Ligue 1 and the English top flight. Despite playing in the era of Lionel … [Read more...]
Zlatan scores as United beat Bournemouth
Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his Premier League debut with a goal as Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United tenure began with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. The match was Mourinho’s first Premier League game in charge of United but nevertheless Ibrahimovic arrived as the star attraction on the south coast and the Swede did not disappoint, unleashing a superb long-range strike in the second half. He has now scored on debut in Serie A, LaLiga, Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney’s goals had earlier put United in command before Bournemouth defender Adam Smith added what proved only to be a consolation. Mourinho has spent almost £150millon turning United into title contenders this summer but with £89million man Paul Pogba … [Read more...]
Mikel on target as Nigeria beat Denmark; set up semi final clash with Germany
Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi was on target as Nigeria beat Denmark 2-0 to set up an Olympic semi-final against Germany on Wednesday. The Super Eagles have been in impressive form in Rio despite initial chaos in trying to reach the tournament due to plane trouble, and were firmly in control against the Danes in Salvador. Nigeria took the initiative at the Arena Fonte Nova as Imoh Ezekiel produced a fine run down the left side before teeing up Chelsea's Mikel to finish before half-time. Ezekiel continued his impressive performance after the break, but it was Mikel who turned provider for Nigeria's second as he set up Aminu Umar to head home from a fine corner delivery. That win sets up a Sao Paulo semi-final against Germany, who saw Serge Gnabry … [Read more...]
Mourinho: Mata was not upset, Mkhitaryan was
Jose Mourinho has played down reports Juan Mata could leave Manchester United and insists the midfielder was not unhappy at his treatment during the Community Shield. Mourinho deemed the Spaniard surplus to requirements at Chelsea, selling him to United, and raising doubts over the 28-year-old’s Old Trafford future. The pair’s relationship was again in the spotlight after United’s 2-1 win over Leicester at Wembley, where Mourinho sent Mata on in the 63rd minute only to withdraw him in injury time – a rarity in top-level football and a blow to the ego for the player involved. The new Red Devils boss explained afterwards it was merely Mata’s size – and the expectation of Leicester playing long balls in the closing stages – that dictated the decision and … [Read more...]
Memphis Depay still in Manchester United’s plans-Mourinho
Despite rumours a lack of discipline off-field has hampered Memphis Depay, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has shown his support. Selecting him in his 23-man squad for their season opener away to Bournemouth, Jose Mourinho has backed Memphis Depay to make an impact for Manchester United. Many expected the 22-year-old Dutchman to be one of Mourinho's first casualties after a disappointing opening season at Old Trafford, but the new manager is predicting big things. "Of course, I want Memphis to be part of my squad," Mourinho told the Sunday People. "I don't want to go into last season too much, but I know the player I've watched at PSV and the World Cup two years ago when he was a very young kid. "Having that player in mind, I want to keep … [Read more...]
Guardiola explains why he dropped Joe Hart
Pep Guardiola has explained his decision to drop Joe Hart for Willy Caballero for Manchester City’s opening Premier League fixture against Sunderland. The England international was resigned to the bench against the Black Cats, leading to suggestions he does not have a future at the Etihad Stadium under the Spanish coach. The decision to play Caballero was certainly rewarded, as although the keeper had little to do, City came away from the game with all three points after Paddy McNair’s own goal ensured Guardiola claimed a win on his City debut. If Caballero had been at fault for a City loss, the reaction to Guardiola’s decision would have been much more negative, but the 45-year-old backed his choice to leave Hart on the bench. Guardiola explained: … [Read more...]
Mazzarri pleased with Watford display against Southampton
Walter Mazzarri drew many positives from Watford's display at Southampton, where they held on for a 1-1 draw after Ben Watson's red card. Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri praised his new team's battling qualities after they fought out a 1-1 draw at Southampton despite being reduced to 10 men on the opening day of the Premier League season. Operating with a 3-5-2 formation, Watford impressed during the first half after Etienne Capoue gave them a ninth-minute lead. Southampton, also playing under new management in the form of Claude Puel, grew in stature after half-time and debutant Nathan Redmond volleyed them level before the hour. Watford's task became steeper when substitute Ben Watson was sent off for a professional foul on Shane Long with 14 … [Read more...]