Jose Mourinho got his Manchester United career off to a winning start, as the Red Devils beat Premier League champions Leicester 2-1 courtesy of a Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s second-half winner.
United started with Ibrahimovic up front and fellow summer-signing Eric Bailly in central defence. However, playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the bench.
With N’Golo Kante sold to Chelsea, Leicester started with Welsh international Andy King in tandem with Danny Drinkwater.
The opening goal of the game came on 32 minutes, and it was a cracker. Picking up the ball just inside the Leicester half, Jesse Lingard ran at the Leicester defence and, after dribbling past five players, the 23-year-old fired past Kasper Schmeichel.
What a superb solo goal. @JesseLingard dances through the @LCFC defence to give @ManUtd the lead.🔥 #CommunityShield https://t.co/A4YMerfonQ
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) August 7, 2016
Not long after the re-start, the Foxes drew level, when Jamie Vardy pounced on a feeble back-pass from Marouane Fellaini.
New season, same @vardy7. The @LCFC striker pounces on @Fellaini‘s terrible backpass. #CommunityShield https://t.co/LVTtSc3kWr
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) August 7, 2016
Ibrahimovic was a peripheral figure for long periods, with the Red Devils struggling to click up front. However, on 83 minutes, the Swede rose above Wes Morgan to head in the winner.
It’s that man Zlatan. 🙌 #ZlatanTime #CommunityShield https://t.co/TrzBvAr26B
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) August 7, 2016
Late on, Mourinho hauled off sub Juan Mata, to apparently protect the one-goal advantage, However, one wonders if the Spaniard has a future at Old Trafford under the new boss.
With a first piece of silverware already in the bag, and Paul Pogba’s arrival now imminent, things are definitely looking good for Mourinho and Man Utd.
As for Claudio Ranieiri’s Leicester, despite the defeat, they’ll be confident of another strong showing in 2016/17.
Highlights…
(Highlights: Footytube)