Manchester United got back to winning ways today with a 3-1 victory over Swansea at the Liberty Stadium to secure their first three points in the Premier League since September.
All three of United’s goals came within the first 33 minutes, which left the writing on the wall for Bob Bradley’s struggling Swansea.
Paul Pogba opened the scoring with a fine half volley from the edge of the area to grab his second Premier League goal of the season. A smart Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace then all but sealed the three points before the match had barely begun.
Swansea improved in the second half after bringing on Leroy Fer and Jefferson Montero, however could only muster a consolation goal through defender Mike Van de Hoorn on the 70th minute mark.
While Swansea are struggling, many were surprised with the performance from United who have not only struggled themselves lately, but also fielded a an almost unrecognisable XI.
Here are five things we learned from today’s game…
Ability in Abundance
Paul Pogba: the man every football fan and writer across the world is talking about right now, and not for the right reasons.
And while it is only a small step in the right direction, the Frenchman’s brilliant goal and performance today will remind us why he was and still is one of the most highly rated midfielder’s on the planet.
His time is coming.
Rooney right?
Another United star heavily criticised, Wayne Rooney put in a fantastic shift today despite once again being played out of his comfort zone.
It is easy to forget that Rooney has been one of England’s finest players of the past decade or two, especially whilst in a run of bad form, however if he can really clarify his position within United’s new look squad, he could just re-find his form.
A team in disarray
Swansea look a far shot from the side of the past few seasons as they currently 19th in the Premier League table.
Bob Bradley has a real job on his hands to turn his talented squad’s fortunes around to avoid relegation, however without a win since the opening day they are looking doomed already. The players do not look a unit and do not look a team.
Striking woes
One of the Swans’ biggest woes this season has been an inability to score goals, with only Leroy Fer looking like he can provide any sort of attacking threat.
While record signing Borja Baston can be forgiven for needing time to find his feet, Fernando Llorente – Spain’s answer to Andy Carroll minus being able to actually find the net – is harming their front line.
The forgotten men
The team sheet for United sent fans into meltdown as a number of familiar old faces made the line-up ahead of the fresh-faced youngsters and summer signings. It appears however, that Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Michael Carrick still have a performance in their lockers, as proven today.
Mourinho took a gamble and thankfully it paid off.