Manchester United have triumphed in today’s Community Shield clash with Leicester City at Wembley.
The FA Cup winners defeated the Premier League champions 2-1, as Jose Mourinho delivered his first trophy in his Red Devils reign.
And it was another summer arrival, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who came up with the winning goal seven minutes from time.
Before the Wembley showpiece, confirmation came through that Juventus superstar Paul Pogba had been given permission to speak with United.
Mourinho was looking to erase the memories of a troubled pre-season, with the trip to China producing a postponed ‘derby’ with neighbours Manchester City, and a hammering by Borussia Dortmund.
Leicester, fresh off the back of the most unexpected Premier League title triumph in history, were aiming to gain momentum ahead of the start of the season.
It was United who created the first chance, Wayne Rooney heading straight at Kasper Schmeichel, son of United legend Peter.
Leicester had to wait almost twenty minutes before having their first sight of goal, Shinji Okazaki smacking the crossbar.
England striker Jamie Vardy was then denied by a fine challenge from Eric Bailly, one of two United summer signings to start the game, alongside Ibrahimovic.
On 32 minutes, the Red Devils took the lead. Jesse Lingard skipped through three tackles and shot low past Schmeichel.
The Foxes levelled matters just after half-time, and the equaliser came through a poor back-pass by Marouane Fellaini. This was easily intercepted by Vardy, who rounded David De Gea and scored, in front of new England manager Sam Allardyce, in attendance at the game.
There was a poignant moment when a minute’s applause was observed in the 66th minute in recognition of England’s 1966 World Cup win.
Both sides traded chances in the closing minutes, Ibrahimovic had an effort cleared off the line, while Ahmed Musa, fresh off his fine display against Barcelona, headed over.
But with seven minutes remaining, United retook the lead. Charismatic Swede Ibrahimovic got on the end of an Antonio Valencia cross to head home and win the game.
United’s third summer signing, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, came on in injury-time.
By Steve Osborne               @BlizzardSteve75
