Last season Manchester United started their Premier League campaign with a whimper as they lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace.

Today saw The Red Devils start this term in scintillating style as they thumped bitter rivals Leeds United by five goals to one at Old Trafford (BBC Match Report).

United played with a swagger that was reminiscent of the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

It was a day full of plus points for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Old Trafford was complete with over 70,000 fans within the stands and they were treated to a pulsating performance from their team.

Now THAT is an Old Trafford welcome ?#MUFC @RaphaelVarane

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 14, 2021

They also had the chance to welcome important new boy Raphael Varane, who has finally completed his move from Real Madrid, as he was paraded in front of the United faithful before kick-off. The French World Cup winner could prove to be a vital signing as he as the tools need to make Man Utd much better defensively.

Fellow summer signing Jadon Sancho (Source Sky Sports) found himself on the bench for the triumph over Leeds and he was given the last fifteen minutes to show the fans just what he can do. A few tricks and flicks later and the United support will relish seeing more from the England star.

United didn’t start with their three most experienced attackers but that didn’t hamper them going forward.

Star middle-men Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba tore Leeds United apart.

Portuguese magician Bruno was clinical in front of goal as he collected the match ball with his hat-trick. His runs off the ball were simply sensational.

Pogba had the passing ability and vision to break Leeds hearts as he continually cut open their backline. Paul’s craft created four assists. When he’s in the mood, Paul is simply unstoppable.

No team in the Premier League could have controlled Pogba and Fernandes today. United need those two to link up like that in a consistent basis. If they can then they will definitely be charging towards major silverware this season.

It must be really satisfying for Ole that he can still add his new signings to this team as well as Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford.

Man United had 16 shots, eight of which were on target and five were put away. They were also more efficient in terms of their passing, securing a 79% passing success rate compared to Leeds 78%. Man United also had double the amount of key passes and out dribbled their opponents too (Stats from WhoScored).

After their fine victory, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was quick to say how much of a team effort it was as he thanked the crowd and his coaching team too:

“You’ve got to say well done to everyone – from the crowd to the players to the staff this week, the coaches. Everything’s been spot on and to get this result and performance on the first day gives you a massive boost. It’s just the mood. But it’s one game and we should always pat ourselves on the back and taste that sweet victory. Tomorrow, we’re back on track for the next one.”

Via ManUtd.com

It is very interesting that Ole stated that they would be concentrating on the next fixture from tomorrow onwards.

If Manchester United are to really become proper title challengers then they need to build on these successes.

In 2019, they started that season with a bang beating Chelsea 4-0 but they would drop points in their next three league outings!

They cannot afford to do that again this year.

United have a feel good factor surrounding them at the moment. They’ve made very astute summer signings, they’ve smashed a rival in their opening game and they’ve got the fans back in the stands.

Next up they travel down to Southampton, they need to keep their foot on the gas and show everyone that this is a Man United team capable of finding glory again!

Posted on August 14th, 2021 by scott
Filed under: Article