Strange bedfellows: Ibrahimovic, Mourinho and United

I had supported this club before I even turned 10. There were champions before but in the 70s, United was largely a cup side until they found Ferguson who took them on a winning streak that lasted over two decades and over 40 trophies. Within that time, he built three maybe four champion teams. Inevitably he retired, twice in fact. The second time for good, and finding his successor was thought to be an impossible task. It turned out to be so in reality. I had hoped for Guardiola, the only manager that I felt truly bested him not just in match victories but in how they won. But instead they settled for Moyes, who was an adequate manager who coached an average seat to finish in the top ten each year in the Premier League. He did exactly the same to a champion team! United finished a mere 7th. Talk about the manager leading a team to his level. So he left because we set our sights higher. Then came van Gaal, a champion manager. He was never quite liked anywhere he managed despite delivering results. It was the same here in this club. He delivered the FA cup, but was let go, to be replaced by Mourinho a coach I never liked for his style of play of his teams but I do respect his track record of winning. Then he brought in Ibrahimovic whom I have never really seen play but knew he was good but had an ego to match, and that may destroy the team spirit. Then again, we had Cantona who without a doubt Ferguson built his first champion team around. 

So with all these thoughts swirling in my head, I watched the first Mourinho-led United play a premier league match. In the first half, they played like a Mourinho team. Tight, boring and looking to not let in any goals and hopefully win by that one odd goal. They did score that one goal. Mata (not Mourinho's favoured one) ironically did him the favour, out of a lucky rebound from poor defending. 

Then they began to play in the second half. Rooney scored with a difficult header. And Zlatan scorched one from outside the box. Until then, I was already quite impressed with his contribution; he played like a gladiator, no a martial artist, esp in his fearless physicality and attractive back flicks.

We won the game 3-1. Mourinho's first Premier League victory for the club. Zlatan opening his EPL account in style. And we begin the 16-17 season at the top of the table. Not a bad start, at all.