The best of the battles between final rivals
MANCHESTER UNITED and Southampton have played each other 119 times since their first meeting in February 1897. HARRY PRATT takes a look at six of the best encounters.
May 1976 Man United 0 Southampton 1 January 1991 Man United 3 Southampton 2 April 1996 Southampton 3 Man United 1 December 2001 Man United 6 Southampton 1 October 1996 Southampton 6 Man United 3 September 1992 Southampton 0 Man United 1
That is the view of Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, who is managing the Swedish striker for the second time in his career.
Ibrahimovic also played for the Old Trafford chief at Inter Milan.
And Mourinho said of his 24-goal leading scorer: “He’s better now – he understands the game even better.
“He has even more ambition and motivation to play at this level and he is an important guy for the young boys at the club.
“He is so very close to them in terms of trying to help and teach. I have got him in this period of his career and I think I am enjoying working with him even more than before.
“Could he be the player of the year? I think it would be an amazing achievement – but yes.”
That is a warning to Southampton ahead of today’s EFL Cup Final at Wembley and Mourinho is relishing returning to one of his favourite stadiums.
He said: “I first went to Wembley with Barcelona for the Champions League match against Arsenal as Mr Van Gaal’s assistant. The feeling was magnificent.
“And I was there for the Euros when Gazza scored against Scotland – that was amazing.
“Then I managed to go back for the first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley with Chelsea against Manchester United.
“I’m sorry, I made United cry that day. But I always like to be back there, even for Community Shield games.
“I think it is an amazing stadium in which to play.”
When asked if Wayne Rooney would lift the trophy if United win it, Mourinho added: “I don’t care who lifts it as long as we win.
“But he is our captain, playing or being on the bench, or being on the bench and coming on, or starting and leaving the pitch.
“He is always our captain. But I don’t think he cares who lifts the trophy – I don’t think anyone does.
“We just want to win. But it is so