Mourinho praised the travelling Red Devils fans for their support after the win against Wigan and Sport360 assesses his performance at the DW Stadium.
What did you make of the match? Get in touch on social media and let us know, use #360fans onTwitter and Facebook.
Mourinho’s visage was visible long before kick-off, with scarves for sale proclaiming the Special One all around the DW Stadium.
The Portuguese was mobbed for autographs as he emerged from the tunnel and obliged a lucky few, while the first chants of his name arrived little more than a minute into proceedings.
The huge ovation as he waved towards the fans at the end of the match suggested that unanimous support from the stands is guaranteed when the season begins.
DEMEANOUR
Mourinho found himself outshone by opposite number Gary Caldwell in the sartorial stakes, opting for trainers and comfortable clothing while the Latics boss donned a sharp navy suit for the occasion.
Mourinho’s relaxed garb extended to his touchline behaviour too. He was present in the technical area for much of the match but hardly exerted himself beyond the occasional word of positional advice.
That he could not even throw himself fully into contesting a free-kick decision that went against his side confirmed that this was clearly a small step up from a training drill at Carrington.
TACTICS
Mourinho went in with a 4-2-3-1 formation, as favoured during his last title reign at Chelsea.
The midfield base of Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera was hardly overworked but allowed the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard to commit to attack. Their efforts were hampered by a flat showing from James Wilson up front, though the return of Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford and the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic should pep things up in the final third.
At half-time Mourinho rang the changes, bringing both goals, and the last half-hour consisted largely of tinkering.
Ashley Young and Juan Mata switched flanks, and the latter was asked to push wider or press closer towards central striker Will Keane from time to time.
And here’s what else can be gleaned from the 2-0 win:
1. Nothing that can’t be unlearned
It may be too obvious to mention, but those looking for hard and fast clues about the key tenets of the Mourinho era will need to look elsewhere. This was a gentle start for the Portuguese and a quiet outing at the DW Stadium is unlikely to alter any of the plans he arrived with or elevate new ones too high.
2. Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be a thrilling prospect
The Armenia international only played the first half but his short debut contained plenty to get excited about. He moved nimbly and intelligently in the number 10 role, showing the kind of awareness of space that characterises those who have excelled in the Bundesliga in recent years.
The former Borussia Dortmund play-maker has the kind of vision that could unpick defences and bring the flair back to a side that lost it under Louis van Gaal.
3. Shaw must be handled carefully
It was heartening to see England international Luke Shaw take the field again after a 10-month injury absence but expectations must be kept sensible. His double leg fracture last September was a dramatic injury for one so young and a quiet performance here, with an apparent reluctance to burst forward from the back, was to be expected. It may be some time before he is ready to perform at his peak.
4. Mata won’t go quietly
The common wisdom was that Mourinho’s arrival in Manchester spelled bad news for Juan Mata – who was marginalised then sold to United during the manager’s time at Chelsea.
Mkhitaryan’s arrival seemed to confirm that but Mata does not seem ready to throw in the towel.
He came on during the interval and within three minutes he had charged down Jussi Jaaskelainen’s kick and laid the opening goal on a platter for Will Keane. He continued to combine hard work and awareness and made a solid case for consideration.
5. Eric Bailly has a big role to play
The big Ivorian centre-half was Mourinho’s first signing and is thought to have cost around £30million, both indicators that he has his new boss’ complete confidence.
Bailly was the outfield player given the most game time against Wigan, managing 82 minutes before being replaced, and looks like he is being prepared for a starting role alongside Chris Smalling.
He had little cause to prove his qualities against the Latics but looked entirely at ease and can expect sterner tests before the big kick-off.
1 / 8
2 / 8
3 / 8
4 / 8
5 / 8
6 / 8
7 / 8
8 / 8
