The Jose Mourinho era got off to a near-perfect start as Manchester United took all three points from their trip to the south coast.
United beat Bournemouth 3-1 in Louis van Gaal’s last Premier League game, and goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – plus a consolation from Adam Smith – meant a repeat scoreline at the Vitality Stadium.
We’re leaving traditional player ratings in 2015/16 and going down a different route.
So here you have it – player ratings, as decided by those of you who were following the game on Twitter.
Bournemouth
Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc held back by the collective will of the press box looking for an intro
— Amitai Winehouse (@awinehouse1) August 14, 2016
Adam Smith
That's an excellent finish from Smith. Great manipulation to shift the ball to get the space to shoot and open up the angle to go either way
— David Preece (@davidpreece12) August 14, 2016
Simon Francis
Simon Francis ensuring his original mistake didn't go unpunished by making another one straight away. Commitment.
— Game of Throw-ins (@GameofThrowIns) August 14, 2016
Steve Cook
Suicide squad 2 featuring Simon Francis and Steve Cook
— Ben (@JackBaeuer) August 14, 2016
Charlie Daniels
https://twitter.com/NedZelic/status/764808587386445828
Lewis Cook
Great to see 19-year-old Lewis Cook trusted to start in midfield for Bournemouth today. Big step up, but shown a lot of promise so far.
— Jamie Kemp (@jamiemkemp) August 14, 2016
Andrew Surman
https://twitter.com/StringerFooty/status/764804505741516801
Harry Arter
https://twitter.com/sXePotter/status/764819439565041664
Jordon Ibe
https://twitter.com/TheM_L_G/status/764810187010023424
Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson was like "FFS man its just a game why so serious" pic.twitter.com/htkfZVeuWo
— chigozie (@mhagayr) August 14, 2016
Josh King
Josh King is still decent for Bournemouth. They'll beat a fair few sides at home.
— Stretford End (@stretford_end) August 14, 2016
**
Manchester United
David De Gea
https://twitter.com/UncleBen_/status/764813231370203136
Antonio Valencia
Valencia genuinely looks a reborn player under Mourinho. Taking players on, finding the man with crosses, he’ll be using his left foot next!
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) August 14, 2016
Eric Bailly
https://twitter.com/tomEurosport/status/764832663375081472
Daley Blind
Blind is slow and weak, but his anticipation is genuinely brilliant at times.
— Brent (@logoffbrent) August 14, 2016
Luke Shaw
One note from this game, i think Luke Shaw still looking for his full fitness in real competition.. last 10 min looked little shaky..
— Dun (@forever9dun) August 14, 2016
Marouane Fellaini
Trying to stop myself thinking that Fellaini actually deserves MOTM
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) August 14, 2016
Ander Herrera
Herrera is the one player people underrate. Did you see that pass he fed to Martial? Brazy!!
— Dali. (@DaliIsFree) August 14, 2016
Juan Mata
Mourinho is a genius. Instantly bringing out the best in Mata.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 14, 2016
Wayne Rooney
Shoutout to me and anyone else that tactically didn't tweet about Rooney being shite because we knew a scuffler of a goal was coming
— OSullivanMUFC (@OSullivanMUFC) August 14, 2016
Anthony Martial
Martial 2 assists today,but he played below his abilities . Imagine him on top form.
— UNITED IT IS 🔴 (@mladen040) August 14, 2016
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan has scored on his debut in the Premier League Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 and the Champions League. As Larry would say: Pretty good
— James Horncastle (@JamesHorncastle) August 14, 2016
All in all a fantastic opening performance from the visitors, and Mourinho will have been pleased with the result and with aspects of the performance.
Bit rusty until goal, as to be expected given this isn't Mourinho's best team, but as good a start to era as could have been hoped for.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) August 14, 2016
Those watching the game were pretty pleased with the new manager’s first Premier League game in charge, too.
Better second half from United. Still stand by Rooney/Ibra point even though they both scored. Strong start to Mourinho era.
— Jack Pitt-Brooke (@JackPittBrooke) August 14, 2016
Bright start for MUFC under Mourinho. Three goals, three different scorers, three debutants, three points. Tougher tests come. And Pogba.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) August 14, 2016
Manchester United will host Southampton in their home opener next weekend, while Bournemouth’s next task is a trip to a West Ham side who will be coming into the game off the back of a Europa League play-off.
Good news for Mourinho, and no need for Eddie Howe to panic just yet.
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