Manchester United have started the 2016-17 Premier League season in style, securing a 3-1 away win against AFC Bournemouth.
The big names looked in strong form for the Red Devils, with both Wayne Rooney and key signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic finding the back of the net.
It would be Juan Mata that opened the scoring for United in the 40th minute following a comedy of defensive errors, before Rooney and Ibrahimovic would put the result beyond doubt, both finding the back of the net within five minutes each other early in the second half.
Bournemouth’s Adam Smith would send home a consolation goal for the hosts, but it would be too little too late.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MATCH IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE
Final score:
Bournemouth 1
Manchester United
AFC Bournemouth are out to slay the giants on home turf when they take on Manchester United in Round 1 of the 2016-17 Premier League season. Join The Roar from 10:30pm (AEST) for live scores.
Unbeaten in their last four home meetings against United, including a 2-1 win last season, Bournemouth have proven to be a thorn in the Red Devils’ side at the Goldsans Stadium.
After drawing 1-all with Valencia, and defeating Angers 1-nil in their last match, Bournemouth’s defence will be full of confidence.
However, in all five of their Sunday games last season Bournemouth walked away with defeats, and in coming up against Jose Mourinho – who has won six and drawn one of his last seven opening-day fixtures – the Cherries need something special.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has brought new life to Manchester United, with the prized signing already providing several moments of magic. The most recent came against defending Premier League champions Leicester City, with the Swedish legend scoring a late goal to win the Community Shield for his side.
Ibrahimovic isn’t the only shining light, with Armenian Henrikh Mkhitaryan showing off his creativity around the pitch, and in front of goal.
The last time these two sides faced off was at Old Trafford on the last day of the Premier League calendar. Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford and Ashley Young made it 3-nil in the second half, before a last-minute Chris Smalling own goal was the only consolation prize for the Cherries.
Prediction
Manchester United are on fire, and with the likes of Rooney, Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan up front, Bournemouth’s defence could be in for a long match.
AFC Bournemouth 0-2 Manchester United
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