Manchester United got their Premier League season underway with a solid 3-1 win over AFC Bournemouth. Goals for Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, on his Premier League debut, helped United climb to the top of the table. Eric Bailly claimed the EPL Man of the Match award after another impressive performance from the Ivorian. Bournemouth faded as the second half went on, United’s superior possession tired them out and punished them for it but Adam Smith did get a consolation goal for the Cherries with a tidy finish beyond De Gea. Here are the ratings for today’s game.
Man of the Match: Eric Bailly
Goals: Juan Mata 40′, Wayne Rooney 59′, Zlatan Ibrahimovic 64′
Assists: Anthony Martial 59′, 64′
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Fellaini, Herrera; Mata (Mkhitaryan 75′), Rooney (Memphis 89′), Martial (Schneiderlin 85′); Ibrahimovic
Substitutes Not Used: Romero; Rojo; Carrick; Rashford
Bookings: Ander Herrera 86′
Manchester United
1 David De Gea
Didn't have much to do all game with Bournemouth struggling to create chances, nothing he could do with the goal but made a good save towards the end. Comfortable.
25 Antonio Valencia
Another great game for Valencia, got forward well, played a big role in the Rooney goal and put a few defensive fears away with a solid performance at the back, not being beaten on the outside all game.
3 Eric Bailly
Premier League Man of the Match and well deserved, distributed the ball fantastically from the back and made his presence known with big challenges and strong clearances. Really impressing on his EPL debut and looks a real diamond signing.
17 Daley Blind
A typical Blind performance, read the game well and seems to partner Bailly quite comfortably. Distributes from the back terrifically providing a calm and collected technician at the back.
23 Luke Shaw
Sloppy first half but grew into the game, didn't link up with Martial especially well but put in real effort. His fitness is getting better and better by the day too, more to come!
27 Marouane Fellaini
Not everyone's favourite player but actually put in a decent shift today. Put himself about physically in the first half and in the second played deeper and looked composed. A few key interceptions and sensible passing meant there wasn't anything to criticise, besides the hair of course.
21 Ander Herrera
Another tidy game for Herrera, looks good in the box to box role. Does the simple things well and provides a little flair in his vision from time to time. Nothing amazing today but a solid performance from the birthday boy.
8 Juan Mata
Got his goal with good perseverance but again shows his best position is at number 10 rather than out wide. Didn't have the pace to beat Daniels but a solid performance from a man under pressure.
Wayne Rooney
Doesn't often get the praise he deserves, another strong shift put into this game and took his headed goal with great composure. Seemed to link up well with Zlatan when he went through on goal 1-on-1 but couldn't beat Boruc. Good performance overall.
11 Anthony Martial
Not the best of days for the young Frenchman, struggled to beat his man on a number of occasions but proved key with 2 assists for the opening two goals. Not sure he looks 100% match-fit but is getting there.
9 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Another goal on another debut for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. His 25-yard effort beat Boruc to the bottom corner to make it 3-1. Played well dropping back and could see signs of him linking well with Rooney but it'll take some time. Hopefully, when Mkhitaryan and Pogba come in there will be more creativity to assist him.
Substitutes
22 Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Came on for Juan Mata after 75 minutes. The game was won when he came on and as United were shutting up shop, he didn't have much to add to the game. Need to get him on earlier or from the beginning to see his real impact.
Ratings: AFC Bournemouth 1-3 Manchester United – Premier League 2016/17
Came on for Anthony Martial. Only featured for 10 minutes to help close the game out at 3-1. Not the amount of time he would like.
Ratings: AFC Bournemouth 1-3 Manchester United – Premier League 2016/17
Came on for Wayne Rooney in the 89th minute but made two decent runs in the five minutes he managed.
