The opening game of Manchester United’s Premier League campaign, saw the Red Devils comfortably put away Leeds at Old Trafford. Here are five things that we learnt.
BRUNO! BRUNO! BRUNO!
How brilliant is this man! At a point when certain people were beginning to question the levels of Bruno Fernandes he answered back in the best possible way. After a slightly dwindling end to the last season and a rather disappointing Euros tournament. There were some who were beginning to question whether Bruno was really all he was made out to be. However, on Saturday he proved those doubters wrong. Bruno scored his first hattrick for United. The first two were excellent goals but the third goal was out of this world. Firstly, the pass from Lindelöf was exceptional and then Bruno’s finish was an absolute rocket into the back of the net. What a great way to kick of his season and welcome the fans back into Old Trafford.
Pogba needs to sign
For those of us who might have forgotten, Paul Pogba reminded us exactly what he is capable of. Yesterday, he became the first United player to register four assists in a single league game. And, some of those assists were exceptional. The one that sticks out is the ball for Mason’s goal. That pass is so precise and perfect. If that was hit slightly over and under and it didn’t go exactly where it did and land for Mason how it did. Then, it might not have been a goal. Yesterday was a reminder of why we need players like Pogba. Because when he links up with players like Bruno, as we saw against Leeds, United are deadly.
McFred can work
Whenever Ole puts out Scott McTominay and Fred in a double pivot fans are not happy. For a lot of these instances those doubts and worries can be justified. We’ve seen that these two in midfield can be sloppy and can look out of place. However, there are certain games when they work really well. Leeds is a prime example of that. With the energy and workrate that you get from both of these players, it’s almost the perfect matchup for a team like Leeds. Some of those runs from midfield that McTominay was making were brilliant, drawing players out of position and freeing up space for the likes of Bruno and Pogba. Credit has to be given to Fred for the workrate and relentless energy he put in for the full 90. And then even chipping in with a goal. Which was exceptionally taken.
Winning Mentality
Just after half-time Leeds equalised with an absolute rocket into the top corner from Luke Ayling. However, this was ultimately inconsequential. Within five minutes, United restored their lead and then scored a third. Just eleven minutes after the Leeds goal, United were four goals up. And the fifth goal coming only eight minutes after that. In previous seasons we might have seen United collapse and look lethargic after consceding. However, I think the influence of players like Bruno and Maguire have changed that mindset. Obviously, we have to give credit to the manager here as well. Instilling that level of belief and determination is such a good thing to see in a United team once more. Hopefully, that belief continues all the way through the season.
Fans back!
For the first time in over 500 days, Old Trafford was full of fans. And it was beautiful. To hear the buzz and the roar of the match-going fans was so good. For players like Bruno who has only played a handful of games in front of a full Old Trafford this would have been such a good welcome back. And on top of that, to welcome new signing Jadon Sancho onto the pitch in front of all the fans was brilliant. Even more than that, before the match even kicked off. The announcement of Raphael Varane, on the pitch, in front of all the fans. This was the perfect way to kick off what we hope will be a fantastic season.