Zlatan Ibrahimovic utterly terrifies Jesse Lingard during goal celebration

Arturo Vidal’s energy and tenacity helped that duo at Juve and Ander Herrera is fulfilling a similarly busy role in midfield for United at present as they begin to pick up results. With this in mind, Ben Foster told the Express & Star that his team are remaining positive, despite their difficulties on Saturday.

If we have learnt one thing from Mourinho during his time in management, it’s never to take his word as the gospel truth – especially when it comes to disclosing his transfer plans. “When you have him and [Michael] Carrick at 35 years old, I think the kids couldn’t have better players to look at”. Their goalkeeper made a magnificent save from Rooney’s shot, we had Mata’s goal, a penalty (appeal) and our goal. I have a bitter feeling as I wanted to play the in the final but I am happy for the [Club World Cup] title.

The end of their three-game winning run at home sees them stay seventh in the table, while United are now on 30 points alongside Spurs, having played a game more.

“He is doing phenomenal”, Mourinho said.

“As a striker he is one of the impossible positions where you can not hide”.

The Manchester United striker has been in fine form this season and has scored 10 times in his last nine matches in all competitions.

The Red Devils head to the West Midlands on the back of two consecutive victories following a frustrating eight-match league sequence that featured six draws, one win and one defeat.

Mourinho was unhappy with the heat and humidity in Shanghai and Beijing that made proper preparation hard for his players, plus the hectic commercial itinerary. I need to give him a rest.

Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the ground running at Old Trafford, with the Ivory Coast defender a stand-out performer in the early part of the campaign until injury curtailed his campaign.

Ibrahimovic has been problematic in build up to goals, he lacks the pace but has the finishing and will punish any defence on any day when he gets the chance.

“Great also with his family life and on keeping his family life the most positive and private”.

Next up for Man United is a home game against Sunderland on December 26.