segunda-feira, 7 de novembro de 2016

Swansea City 1-3 Man United: Jose Mourinho's men get back to winning ways - 5 things we learned

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Despite the United boss being banned from the technical area, his side were convincing against the woeful hosts


Manchester United bounced back from their Europa League loss to Fenerbahce with a first win in five Premier League attempts, as they ran out 3-1 winners at shambolic Swansea.

Paul Pogba's wonderfully-executed volley handed United - with Jose Mourinhobanished to the stands - an early lead, and they didn't look back in a commanding first-half.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped himself to a brace, for his first goals since September, as United dominated their struggling hosts.

GettyZlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United scoring his sides third goal
Three-sy does it for the Swedish hitman

Bob Bradley's men could have been four or five down by the time Mike van der Hoorn headed home Gylfi Sigurdsson's delivery midway through the second period.
But they couldn't get themselves back further into the game, as United eased over the line.
Here are five things we learned from the Liberty Stadium:

1. Crisis, what crisis?


GettyManchester United's manager watches Jose Mourinho in the stands
Mourinho watches from the stands

Jose Mourinho’s men - even with their manager banned from the touchline - did the job here.
Seven changes, questions over the selection - but it is paid off
Two goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic - including the 25,000th in the Premier League - one excellent volley from Paul Pogba and United had a commanding half-time lead.
But as good as United were, Swansea are an utter shambles. Bob Bradley really does have his work cut out for him here, amid growing fan unrest, with sections singing “You greedy b*****s, get out of our club," at their new American investors.

2. Pogba's fine show


REUTERSManchester United's Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their first goal
Manchester United's Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their first goal

£89million is an awful lot of money, and to splash it all on a midfielder who doesn't guarantee you 20 goals is really something.
But the upside to Paul Pogba is absolutely enormous. He IS a potential Ballon d'Or winner. And he showed glimpses of why here.
Appearing much more relaxed with Michael Carrick alongside him, Pogba was in a role more similar to that he enjoyed at Juventus; working up and down, but being allowed to drift out to the left. When he did that, Wayne Rooney tucked in. When Rooney went out, Pogba went central.
The experience of Carrick, Rooney and Ibrahimovic is something that Pogba seems to enjoy working with. They're something of a safety net for him and allow him to express himself, while simultaneously keeping him focused.

2016 Getty Images
Pogba brilliantly volleys home

Jose Mourinho recently said he was unworried over perceived poor form and called for time for the French star, who, lest we forget, is still only 23.
A goal and a performance like this will earn both manager and player a degree of leeway.

3. Swans lack punch


2016 Getty Images
Pogba makes a tackle on Fernando Llorente

Swansea spent big in the summer on Borja Baston, after a fine season in La Liga.
They also signed Fernando Llorente, the World Cup winner, after spells at Sevilla and Juventus.
The Spanish partnership was on display here, but against a re-jigged United defence, they had little service - and aren't the sort to really make chances out of nothing themselves.
If Swansea are banking on trying to keep it tight in the post-Ashley Williams era and leaving those guys to it, then they're very much favourites for relegation.

4. Carrick's importance


2016 Getty Images
Carrick and Pogba celebrate the Frenchman's goal

Five matches that Michael Carrick has started for Manchester United this season.
Five wins. That says it all about the class and composure the veteran midfielder brings to the side.
Mourinho was right recently. He is "phenomenal". And it's also a shame that father time is quickly catching up with the 35-year-old Geordie.

5. Plenty of rest for Zlatan


Stu Forster
Zlatan's yellow means he faces a ban

The Swedish striker may, like Carrick, also be 35, but his physique is the envy of the Old Trafford dressing room.
However, even he needs a good rest from time to time - despite being someone that wants to play all game, every game.
So while his yellow card here, for a needless foul on Leroy Fer, will see him miss the trip to Arsenal on November 19, it may not necessarily be a bad thing.
For a player used to a winter break, it'll be like Christmas has come early. Feyenoord on November 24, in a must-win Europa League clash, better prepare themselves.

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