Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck twice on his home debut to continue Manchester United’s 100% start to the new season and consolidate their position the top of the Premier League as the early-season team to beat.
Old Trafford’s atmosphere was as electric as it has been for some time, with Paul Pogba’s early touches back at the club drawing cheers from the crowd. Mourinho’s United are already a different proposition to the one that Louis van Gaal oversaw, with both Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia encouraged to attack at every opportunity, and Anthony Martial also an elusive outlet from the left wing.
Southampton looked comfortable in possession, Claude Puel carrying on the style of play that made them such an impressive side under Ronald Koeman. An early injury meant that Oriol Romeu’s night ended just after 10 minutes, with the Spaniard being replaced by Jordy Clasie.
Pogba – the world’s most expensive player – showed a few rusty touches as he played his first game since the Euro 2016 final, but he linked well with Wayne Rooney and Ibrahimovic and had the game’s first shot on goal which was saved by Fraser Forster.
United seemed content to allow the Saints to have the ball as they defended compactly and broke away at pace, though Shane Long did hit the side netting with a powerful effort at 25 minutes and scuff a one-on-one with David de Gea. Some slick interplay almost allowed Ibrahimovic to finish a clever move, but his overhead kick was wide.
In the 36th minute he did score, opening the scoring after Rooney whipped in a cross from the right for the Swede to head powerfully home after out-jumping Jose Fonte.
The second half began with strong attacking play from the visitors, though Dusan Tadic’s goal was ruled out for a foul. Up the other end, the impressive Shaw drew a foul from Clasie in the box, and Ibrahimovic added his second of the game from the penalty spot – his third in two league matches.
This gave more urgency to the south coast club’s play, new signing Nathan Redmond causing problems for the United backline with his pace, though his finishing proved erratic with De Gea rarely tested.
Pogba grew into the match and added some much-needed dynamism and physicality into the club’s midfield, whilst Rooney was industrious as Mourinho’s men cranked up the pressure when looking for a third goal. Martial went close on two occasions and the front four all interchanged fluidly.
At times it seemed like the past three seasons had all been a bad dream, with a dominant display typified by excellent showings again from Valencia – the right-back spot is quickly becoming his on a full-time basis – and Marouane Fellaini, who was again quietly effective.
Southampton remained dangerous, and United were pegged back to a deep defensive line, with testing balls coming into the box with only a ruthless finish missing.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan made his home debut and Ander Herrera was introduced with just under 10 minutes remaining as Mourinho instructed his side to see out the game. Eric Bailly had another strong game in central defence – he and his partner Daley Blind repelled the attacks from the away side that were growing in frequency.
In the end, a new-look United had too much of a cutting edge for Southampton. They conserved a two goal advantage to cap an impressive display that means they are three points clear of their major title rivals at the summit of the Premier League, until Saturday afternoon at least.
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