Ibrahimovic makes instant impression
Star scores on debut in win over Galatasaray
GOTHENBURG: New signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored an acrobatic scissor kick within four minutes of pulling on a Manchester United shirt for the first time in a 5-2 friendly rout of Galatasaray on Saturday.
The superstar forward, who moved from Paris Saint Germain earlier in the summer, was finally unleashed by new manager Jose Mourinho in Gothenburg in his native Sweden.
He had hardly broken sweat when, after just 190 seconds, Antonio Valencia — who was to grab three assists in all — swung over a deep cross and Ibrahimovic launched a right boot at it.
It was not the cleanest of volleys — and Mourinho barely acknowledged the goal — but it was enough to bounce into the ground and into the top left corner to deceive Fernando Muslera in the Galatasaray goal.
The 34-year-old Ibrahimovic was replaced at the break by Marcus Rashford, when Galatasaray led 2-1 through Sinan Gumus and Bruma.
Wayne Rooney scored a penalty in a second-half brace and Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata were also on the scoresheet as United came on strong after half-time.
“We have something big going on. It looks very interesting,” Ibrahimovic told Swedish television afterwards.
“I’m going to help the team as much as I can and do what I’m good at, creating chances and scoring goals.”
United are tight-lipped about talks with Juventus and French international midfielder Paul Pogba, with British media speculating a mega-money move could be close.
“Let’s see if Pogba will also [come], then it will be even more interesting,” added Ibrahimovic.
However, Mourinho refused to single out Ibrahimovic for his fast start in United colours.
The Swede, Anthony Martial and Rooney all started in an attacking side that also included another new signing, Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
“Of course Marcus [Rashford] and Ibra showed glimpses of the things they can bring. But when I see guys like Fellaini, Martial and [Morgan] Schneiderlin, they train two days and they come here,” Mourinho told MUTV.
“I just told them, ‘Don’t try to go with the intensity of the game, try to go with an intensity that makes you comfortable’. I prefer this way.”
ATLETICO SLUMP IN AUSTRALIA
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid crashed to a 1-0 loss to A-League side Melbourne Victory on their Australian pre-season tour in Geelong yesterday.
The European Champions League runners-up fell behind to a goal against the run of play shortly before half-time and were kept scoreless in the second half.
Defender Nick Ansell powerfully headed home off a free-kick from Tunisian Fahid Ben Khalfallah to rock Atletico in the 44th minute.
While manager Diego Simeone rang the changes in the second half his side could not find a way through the determined Victory defence.
Despite the defeat, he was pleased with the benefits of the trip to Australia.
“I’m very happy. These matches are very helpful for the guys who have played,” said Simeone, who selected seven players from his club’s academy in the Atletico starting line-up.