- Pogba makes United debut
- Ibrahimovic nets brace at Old Trafford
- Saints fail to capitalize in final third
Despite another slow start on Friday night, Manchester United kept its hot start alive with a 2-0 victory against a fierce Southampton side at Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba’s debut was what the fans were buzzing about before the match, however, Zlatan Ibrahimovic provided the Red Devils with the advantage in the 36th minute after rising to head home Wayne Rooney’s cross from the right flank.
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Just minutes into the second half, Southampton nearly found the equalizer when Dusan Tadic headed home a finish in the 49th minute. Unfortunately, the goal was called back for offsides on the attacker, keeping United in front.
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No less than a minute later, Luke Shaw was barreled into inside the Saints penalty area by Jordi Clasie, which gave Ibrahimovic the opportunity to double the lead. The Swede calmly finished the chance from the penalty spot, putting a damper on Southampton’s chances.
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The Saints didn’t have the ideal start, after they were forced to make a change just over 10 minutes in. Oriol Romeu made way for Jordy Clasie in the 12th minute after receiving treatment a few minutes prior.
Despite the early switch, Southampton kept up with United for much of the first half, but simply couldn’t capitalize on its chances. The Saints nearly found a chance to pull in front after 19 minutes, when Nathan Redmond broke loose on the right wing, before unleashing a cross that was a bit too high for the oncoming Tadic.
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Originally not tabbed to go the distance by Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese manager allowed Pogba to play the 90 minutes in his debut.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan also made his first United appearance on Friday, coming in with a little under a quarter hour remaining to replace Juan Mata.