Zlatan still has what it takes, says United boss

AFC Bournemouth are out to slay the giants on home turf when they take on Manchester United in Round 1 of the 2016-17 Premier League season.

By contrast, the 34-year-old Ibrahimovic on his EPL debut helped his team’s attacking play and then scored a superb goal as United opened its campaign with a 3-1 win at Bournemouth. His table for breakfast and his table for meals, he is surrounded by the young ones, surrounded by the kids. “Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, these are the guys that are with him on the table”.

Despite playing in the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Mourinho is perplexed as to why the 34-year-old striker has yet to win a Ballon d’Or award. “It’s three points against a very hard opponent and I don’t think there’s any doubt we deserved to win”.

Having both scored, the two elderly statesmen of the United squad were interviewed by a Sky reporter following the game.

Liverpool, facing three away games to start the season because of building work at Anfield, could have been two goals down at halftime against last season’s runners-up Arsenal. I could feel they were with us.

“We have a very good group with lots of options. It’s a shame we couldn’t get a second goal and put them under more pressure at the end”. The most recent came against defending Premier League champions Leicester City, with the Swedish legend scoring a late goal to win the Community Shield for his side. I never forget coming with Real Madrid to Old Trafford and asking Sir Alex if he was still nervous.

“I’m confident and I believe I’m good enough to play and if I play, I’m confident I will score goals”.

A tepid first half display wouldn’t have eased Mourinho’s anxiety but the game changed completely once a woeful backpass by Bournemouth defender Simon Francis was punished by Juan Mata in the 40 minute.

Ibrahimovic, who also scored United’s victor in the Community Shield against Leicester, did not always look comfortable against the Cherries but the 34-year-old former Sweden striker is renowned for producing individual moments of magic and he delivered again. I just have to move off him and try to get to into the pockets of space that are available.