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Manchester United victorious at Bournemouth

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Manchester United took the three points on the South Coast today, as Jose Mourinho’s first Premier League game in charge of the Red Devils away to Bournemouth ended in victory.

The Portuguese manager was able to extend his record of never losing an opening game of a Premier League season, now standing at seven wins and one draw.

World-record signing Paul Pogba was unavailable for this game through suspension, as was Chris Smalling. But fellow summer signings Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic started, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the bench. Antonio Valencia made his 250th appearance as well.

Bournemouth were aiming to build on a decent first season in the English top-flight, having recorded victories over both United and Mourinho, when he was at Chelsea.

For the Cherries, Jordan Ibe and Lewis Cook made their first league starts for the club, with fellow summer recruits Nathan Ake and Brad Smith among the substitutes. Callum Wilson returned to the starting lineup.

Bournemouth, on a sunny South Coast afternoon, had the first chance on five minutes. Charlie Daniels’ cross was mis-controlled by Luke Shaw. The ball fell to Wilson, who shot, but Shaw recovered to block.

Wilson, eleven minutes later, then hit the post. But if it had gone in, it would not have counted as the flag was up for offside.

Four minutes before half-time, United took the lead, capitalising on an error in the home defence. A loose back-pass was gobbled up by Juan Mata. His initial effort was saved by Artur Boruc, but the Spaniard tapped home the rebound.

On 52 minutes, Wayne Rooney found himself one-on-one with Boruc, the keeper saving with his legs.

United doubled their lead on the hour. Neat interplay between Mata and Valencia saw the latter’s cross knocked back across goal by Anthony Martial for Rooney to nod home.

Ibrahimovic then tested Boruc with a twenty-yard free-kick, before the Swede marked his United league debut with a goal on 65 minutes. He fired home from 25 yards after a mazy run.

Adam Smith gave Bournemouth fans a little hope with a fine strike from inside the area on 69 minutes.

Mata was removed from the action on 77 minutes, making way for Mkhitaryan.

Despite David De Gea being called into action a couple of times late on, United were able to hold on to give Mourinho, and the fans, something to smile about on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

 

By Steve Osborne                      @BlizzardSteve75

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