3 things we learned from Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Southampton

The start of the Jose Mourinho era is going as well as Manchester United could have possibly expected. On the day that the manager, Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan made their competitive debuts at Old Trafford, everyone delivered in a 2-0 win over Southampton.

Ibrahimovic scored what would be the eventual winner in the 36th minute, using his 6’5 frame and jumping ability to get on the end of a header. Wayne Rooney assisted it with a hopeful looking lofted cross, but it turned out to be a pinpoint assist when Ibrahimovic rose up and powered a perfect header into the back of the net from 12 yards out.

In the 52nd minute, Ibrahimovic added a second goal from the penalty spot. Luke Shaw won the penalty with a driving run into the box that fooled Jordie Clasie, and the Dutchman tripped him up. Ibrahimovic sent Fraser Forster the wrong way and scored easily.

After that, United seemed content to keep their shape and invite some pressure, though they did generate a handful of dangerous looking counter-attacks through Anthony Martial and Pogba. Ultimately, they couldn’t create another great chance, but they won’t be bothered -- Southampton never came particularly close to scoring.

Goals: Ibrahimovic (36’, pen 52’)

Goals: None.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not old and washed -- It may turn out that Ibrahimovic is not the perfect fit for Mourinho’s tactics, or hits a bad run of form, or can’t quite get it done in big games. But it is clear that the 35-year-old forward still has just about all of his physical capabilities. He’s not slow, he’s jumping just as high as he ever did and he still looked sharp in stoppage time. Any concerns about his fitness have been erased.

2. Paul Pogba is so ridiculously good -- He didn’t record a goal or an assist, but it didn’t matter. Pogba’s ability to dribble past defenders and make creative plays while still doing all of the simple things right in possession and on defense was great to watch. He’s a class above all of United’s other midfielders. And with Pogba next to him, Marouane Fellaini looked more confident too.

3. Shout out to Southampton’s totally decent midfielders -- He might have given away the penalty, but Jordie Clasie had a good game in the center for Southampton. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was even better. It was a testament to them that United didn’t dominate possession easily or generate chances at will. With them in the team, Southampton is in a good position to finish top-half this season.