The ‘Super Sunday’ outing to Old Trafford to watch Mourinho’s men against West Ham United was certainly worth the watch for many, aside from Hammers fans who watched their side crumble to defeat at the hands of Manchester United.
Crucial to United’s rampant 4-0 triumph were two of the new boys at the club, Romelu Lukaku and Nemenja Matic. Lukaku himself grabbed a brace on his Old Trafford debut and is favourite for the golden boot this campaign, ahead of many illustrious strikers in the Premier League.
Yet, essential to the monumental victory was Matic, who undertook a MOTM performance for the red devils. The midfielder produced a dominant display as he sat in front of United’s back line; Matic won possession more times than any of his team mates, played more passes and covered more ground and with the current state of today’s transfer market, although at the fine age of 29, he’s certainly a bargain for Mourinho at £40m.
With relation to the transfer of Matic, there will be many questioning what possessed Conte and Chelsea to let go of the demanding centre midfielder, especially with the lack of player options for Conte at this moment in time alongside their troublesome opening day performance where the champions suffered a 3-2 defeat to Burnley.
With only 26 goals at Old Trafford last season, United despatched four past their sluggish opponents and it looks like goals will not be an obstacle stopping Mourinho’s men this season. Arguably, the reasoning for United looking so threatening going forward was due to the free role provided to Pogba who alongside Matic look to be creating an elusive partnership for United.
Pogba produced an impressive display going forward working alongside his great friend, Lukaku, and the lively Marcus Rashford who both put in splendid performances in yesterday’s game. It was Matic who allowed Pogba to undertake a more attacking stance and Pogba was repaid for his work with a goal as he slotted past Hart in the final minute of the 90.
Matic looked rather ‘Kante-like’ in the red shirt of United and stopped almost everything that came his way. He picked out some impressive passes, notably a reverse pass which set Rashford on his way leading to the breakthrough for United. The perfect performance from an impeccable Matic, who I’m sure made himself many admirers in Manchester after this performance.
Mourinho has had success at Porto, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Real Madrid in his career – winning the respective leagues during his 2nd season in charge of all clubs noted. With his 2nd season with United off to a satisfying start, there will be many placing their bets on the title going to the red half of Manchester come May, which is certainly understandable after the positive and confidence performance from Mourinho’s men.
Written by Eamon Kitching.
