STAYING GROUNDED
Manchester United began their season with a stunning 4-0 win over the Hammers which sent them to the top of the table after a round of matches. But despite the dominance and swagger with which United played, Mourinho said that it was just one win and almost the whole season is yet to be played. Mourinho said: “We can be a better team than last season. Fans have reason to be optimistic because we are also [optimistic]. But for me, with years and years of experience in the Premier League, my feet are on the ground. I’m calm.”
RUNNING THE SHOW
Nemanja Matic was the engine that powered United to the 4-0 demolition job of West Ham. Matic was exceptional and racked up the stats in his league debut fort the club. Matic’s stats V West Ham:
Completed Passes – 69
Passing Accuracy – 85%
Tackles Won – 2
Possession gained – 9
Matic also completed 7 dribbles in the match which eclipsed his personal record in the League. Pundits were quick to praise the Serbian who looks like a game changer for United.
LINDELOF ABSENCE EXPLAINED
Jose Mourinho packed a surprise in his team selection when he decided to omit new signing Victor Lindelof from the matchday squad altogether. Mourinho later clarified that the absence was not injury enforced but rather a measure taken to ease Lindelof into the English game. Mourinho said: “I brought in 2004 a phenomenal central defender to England in (Ricardo) Carvalho, he was one of the best central defenders in the last decade of the Premier League, but he struggled. It was difficult for him to come and adapt to the beginning, and I think Victor needs a little bit of time and he’s going to have that time. Let’s go step by step because Victor is a fantastic player.”
CHELSEA TO RIVAL UNITED
With United resuming negotiations with Inter over the transfer of Ivan Perisic, Chelsea are entering the race for the Croat. While the Blues are yet to contact Inter, they are reportedly weighing up their options. United fans and Jose Mourinho will want Ed Woodward to get his act together quickly and snap up the winger under Conte’s nose. United are close to meeting Inter’s asking price.
TITLE IS A MUST
Gary Neville believes that Manchester United have to win the Premier League title this season because of the amount of money they have spent to become title contenders once again. Neville who was speaking prior to kickoff on Sunday said: “You can’t just drop your expectation because they haven’t won it for a couple of years. They have to win the league. Mourinho has to win the league here. The money that’s been spent, his own personal expectations and what he’s always delivered has been titles, so I would say United have to approach this season to win the league.” Neville would sure have been pleased with what he saw during the match.