Manchester United dispatched Swansea City by 4-0 to win the second consecutive league game with the same score. Goals from Bailly, Lukaku, Pogba and Martial were enough to hand Mourinho’s men another convincing victory in a sensational start to the league campaign.
The first half was an equally fought contest, and Swansea frustrated United as they played with five defenders and didn’t really give the visitors many chances to score. The hosts went the closest through Ayew in the third minute as his shot came off the bar from an improbable angle. United had a great opportunity missed as Rashford shot straight at Fabianski when he was one-on-one. However, even though it looked as if United would be going level into the break, they scored the opener just before half-time. Blind’s corner was met by Pogba’s header which was saved by Fabianski but Bailly put the ball into the net from the rebound as he scored his first goal since joining the club last summer.
The game could’ve gone either way and United looked vulnerable with just a one-goal cushion, but they then scored three goals in four minutes to put any doubts to rest. Lukaku scored the first of the quick-fire goals, as he confidently put the ball past Fabianski after Mkhitaryan found him with great vision. Micki then assisted Pogba just seconds later and his through ball was brilliantly put into the net by Pogba with a chipped effort. Martial then added the fourth as he emphatically cut inwards and put the ball into the bottom corner to seal another superb win.
With this win, Mourinho’s men stay on top of the league after two matches with a goal difference of +8.
Here are the Major Talking Points from the Match:
Micki Magic
He didn’t have a great last season but just like at his previous clubs, Mkhitaryan looks like he’ll take the league by storm in his second season. He supplied Lukaku and Pogba with brilliant passes, and now has four assists in just two games. His overall play apart from the assists was flawless as well, and he’ll surely be fundamental to United’s success this season. He’s now cemented a starting berth in Mourinho’s team, and we hope that he keeps up his superb form for weeks and months to come, and he could even manage upward of 20 assists this season. Mesut Ozil who?
Record-Breaking United
Manchester United won two consecutive matches with a 4-0 score for the first time since 2008. Not just that, United got two 4-0 victories in the first two league games for the first time in 110 years. It’s only the beginning of the season and this team is already on fire. I fully agree with you, Lineker. This Mourinho fella does know what he’s doing.
Swansea’s 3-5-2 looks good
Paul Clement has tested many formations in pre-season, but his latest 3-5-2 looks here to stay. His team caused problems to Mourinho’s men for most of the match, and were it not for periods of wavering focus, they surely could’ve done better. They weren’t as bad as the score line showed, and against bigger teams, this formation would surely be a success. It is the best way to accommodate two good strikers in Ayew and Abraham and at the same time maintain the team’s impeccable defensive formation. They just need to sign an able replacement for Sigurdsson and they can easily focus on a respectable mid-table finish.
Jones-Bailly Partnership is here to Stay
While Bailly is already one of the best centre-backs in the league, Jones has also stepped up his performances in the first two games. He wasn’t as solid as against West Ham and was a bit lucky at times but his performance was absolutely flawless. Last season Mourinho couldn’t find his best centre-back pairing but looks set to keep this duo for the next few games. And if Jones keeps up his form, there’s no way he’ll make way for Smalling or even Lindelof any soon.
Martial MUST start against Leicester
Anthony Martial showed again why he’s considered as a top talent and has always been a fan favourite. He came off the bench to score a sumptuous goal, and has now scored two goals and assisted one in just 25 minutes of action this season. Rashford’s performance also went in Martial’s favour. He wasn’t at his best, and his desperation was showing as he took every opportunity to shoot and even tried his luck from 35 yards at one point. He knows he’s fighting Tony for his spot, but couldn’t show that he’s in better form. Martial surely deserves to start next week against Leicester, and if he doesn’t, then there’s seriously something happening behind the scenes at Old Trafford.