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| Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images |
By Odiko Godwin
Manchester United were able to withstand a late scare from Leicester to ensure the first win of the season in the Premier League. And it was a night Luke Shaw will never forget in a hurry. So, what are the lessons to be taken from the victory for Jose Mourinho's Manchester United?
Jose Mourinho smart to make Pogba captain
I wrote here the other day on how Jose Mourinho can help Paul Pogba replicate his World Cup form with Manchester United, and it was only sweetening to hear before kickoff that Pogba will be handed the captain's armband. Indicates that the manager has full trust in his man and believes in him. And it's only normal for Pogba to reciprocate the gesture with a splendid performance capped with a goal as Manchester United's captain in the absence of Antonio Valencia.
Jose Mourinho also allowed Pogba the free role which is similar to what he played in midfield for France at the World Cup. And we saw countless times how the French star was able to dictate play excellently well in the role, in fact - he flourished.
I would love to see him continue in the role, and get that captain's armband on a permanent basis. After all, he is United's best outfield player at the moment. And has got outstanding leadership ability - which he showed on the night and also in putting himself up for selection when the manager was considering resting him (coming from a grueling World Cup campaign) and starting Scott McTominay.
Luke Shaw has certainly put down a marker of intent with his performance
Questions have been asked severally of Luke Shaw's ability to impress in that left-back position for Manchester United and for Jose Mourinho, but the Englishman did well to respond to every of those questions with a superb performance at left-back for Manchester United agaisnt Leicester.
He was splendid helping out in attack - bumping high up that left flank to create options for his teammates and, didn't put any foot wrong when he was tasked with his defensive duties.
It's only the first match of the season, though, but I think the 23-year-old left-back has shown in the way he scored that second goal for Manchester United that he is up for the task, and he is ready to prove every of his doubters wrong this season.
Andreas Pereira outstanding, Fred needs time
Having endured spells on loan in previous seasons, Andreas Pereira is finally ready to show and prove his ability with Manchester United. I thought he was brilliant in midfield and was pivotal in helping instigate attacking moves from midfield. He can only get better. His ability from set-pieces will also be essential for Manchester United this season, and I see him getting involved in numerous games for the Red Devils this season. Well done man!
Having said that, it is important to touch on Fred's performance in midfield last night for Manchester United.
I thought he was too excited playing his first Premier League game for Manchester United in Old Trafford that he sometimes in the game couldn't react promptly to balls that came his path and endured an average performance as a result. But, he showed sometimes (in the game) with his passes and movement that he can be a very influential player for Manchester United. But he will need time to blend and master his craft in a new environment, and of course, a new league.
New season, same old Manchester United
Everyone was excited about the urgency Manchester United showed immediately the referee blew his whistle for the commencement of the game. And it was the urgency that led to the penalty which Pogba scored with ruthless chill. But, immediately they scored that first goal, they went back into their shell - allowing Leicester dominate and dictate play, and were only lucky not to concede any goal during that first half because of Leicester's poor attack. Which was evident when Jamie Vardy was brought on in the second half and he scored for the Foxes, albeit after United's second goal.
Can't continue to thread dangerously like this in every game this season and expect to supersede last season's trophy-less showing. This cautious approach will only open Manchester United up for danger and ruthless opponents will always punish the side when allowed the opportunity to dominate play and attack Manchester United. Jose Mourinho has to change this approach and start to make his side show consistency in urgency of play.
The real Alexis Sanches has to stand up
I don't think Manchester United fans would have been pleased with the capture of Alexis Sanchez in January if he was playing this way for Arsenal. It was said that he needs time to blend with the team and that a pre-season with the team might help. Played in almost all of Manchester United's pre-season games, but it's a new season, and it's looking like the same old Alexis Sanchez from last season. Giving away possessions cheaply and was making the wrong decisions in the final-third most of the times. Has to improve, else, he might lose his place in that Manchester United side with notable options in Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in that left flank ready and waiting...
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