Comment by Odiko Godwin|Twitter: @OdikoGodwin
Manutd started of the season on a bright note, by seeing off last season's league champions Leicester City in a Fiercely contested tie in Wembley. Here are the five key points I deduced from the match.
MARTIAL STILL LACKS MATCH FITNESS AND SHARPNESS
Anthony Martial became the fan's favorite just after his debut match for Manutd last season, scoring a well taken goal against Liverpool at Old Trafford and went on to impress all through the season. But if he still wants to retain that tag as being one of United fan's favorite then he needs to up his game a bit atleast to last season's level. At the Euro 2016, Martial was sparingly used by French coach Didier Deschamp, and many wondered why, but we are beginning to see as the french attacker didn't look quite sharp on the ball, giving possessions away and not finding his feet well enough on several one-on-one situations with opposition defenders. If Anthony Martial wants to stamp his authority in Mourinho's team this season, then he needs to rediscover his form quickly.
BAILLY THE SOLID ROCK
Brought from Villareal, as Mourinho's first signing, the Ivorien didn't waste any time in showing what he is made of - as he was rock solid in the heart of defense. Showing great confidence and intelligence, he was a torn to the Leicester City attackers, blocking several attacking moves and also showing great foot works which was visible in his passing and ball movement.
MOURINHO STILL LOOKING FOR HIS PERFECT MIDFIELD COMBINATION
Paul Pogba is one the verge of making a big money transfer to United from Juventus, but it is the perfect combination with the french man that Mourinho hasn't yet discover. Fellaini was paired with Carrick, but the combo didn't produce what the Portuguese expected; as Fellaini inability to get passes together on several occasion meant that he just can't fit in the Mourinho's kind of midfield. Though the Belgian made some brilliant interceptions in midfield and was always a threat in the opposition box, for a Club targeting several laurels this season, Fellaini is not the right man for those ambitions. Herrera hasn't gotten the intimidating presence in midfield, and age is not on the side of Carrick, maybe it might turn out to be a french combo of Morgan Schneiderlin and Paul Pogba, only time will tell.
IBRAHIMOVIC PHYSICAL PRESENCE IS VITAL
After scoring a bicycle kick on his unofficial debut against Galatasaray, the Swedish striker wasted no time in registering his first goal for Manutd with a well taken header off Antonio Valencia's cross from the right. The premier league is known for its physicality, but with the terrifying presence of Zlatan in the box, United fans have nothing to worry about. The manner in which he lashed unto the ball from Valencia's cross, challenging the big Morgan to the ball, proved the point. Many defenders would be shivering at the sight of Zlatan this season in their. box.
MKHITARYAN WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR HIS CHANCE IN THE TEAM
With Lingard impressing on the right side of attack and Wayne Rooney being Mourinho's preferred option in the attacking midfield position, Henrikh would have to wait for his chance to stamp his authority in the team. The Armenian quick adaptiveness to English football might prove pivotal if he is to become a regular starter at Manutd.
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