Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United had already recorded six draws in 16 games before the kick -off against Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday evening. Such was United’s inconsistency that they recorded their first consecutive win last Wednesday against Crystal Palace having failed to win two straight games In the EPL since August. Since winning Tottenham last weekend United have now scored five goals and conceded just once in three games which is an improvement in their previous record. Against West Brom, United bossed proceedings with Jesse Lingard tormenting left-back Nyom several times during the game. This did not end there as the youngster found space and time to pass to Zlatan Ibrahimovic to nod in his first of the night before scoring his second in the second half taking his goal tally to 10, three behind top scorer Diego Costa. According to stats, United were the better side on the night recording a pass accuracy of 83% to West Brom’s 75%, as well as having a ball possession of 54% which is more than West Brom’s 46% although West Brom recorded more shots six to United’s four coupled with West Brom’s seven created chances to United’s six.
United will have to thank star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has proved a bargain signing considering he was a free transfer from PSG . After the game, Ibrahimovic moved up to second place in the 2016 calendar year top scorers having scored a total of 34 league goals in 33 league games for both PSG (24) and Manchester United (10) in the year. This is a massive achievement considering the Swede is three ahead of goal wizards Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo (31 for both ) while Luis Suarez is on top having scored one more than the Swede (35).
“If you are willing to prepare yourself, you can play to whatever age you want. I’d give him another year,” were the exact words of former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson on the impressive form of 34-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
With Ibrahimovic in attack, United have played to his aerial strengths which has seen him either score with his head or nod and chest down for his team mates with the first goal against Crystal Palace on Wednesday an ideal example. The 34-year- old might have lost a yard of pace yet it has been his finishing in front of goal that has set him apart from the rest with much maligned Wayne Rooney setting him up on most occasions having assisted the Swede four times this season which is the highest attacking combo in the league this season .
“I’m here to play and I want to play. You have to listen to your body but in my mind I feel fresh,” were the words of Ibrahimovic shortly after The Palace game, a statement which demonstrates just how prepared the Swede is to set defences ablaze.
With the win, United seems to be getting their mojo back as well as finally playing with the aura and confidence that was associated with the North West side during the time of Sir Alex Ferguson. Presently, Jose Mourinho’s side lie in 7th, six points ahead of West Brom and level points with Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham who play Burnley today.
Although not yet in the top four, Jose Mourinho and his charges must not rest on their laurels (having won their last three straight games) as they seek to keep the pace with the EPL title chasers until the end of the season in May.
Stats powered by Opta.
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