14 Aug 2017

United make emphatic start to Premier League

6:42 am on 14 August 2017

Manchester United have made an emphatic start to the English premier league football season with a 4-nil win over All Whites skipper Winston Reid's West Ham.

Romelu Lukaku struck twice on his debut for United as Jose Mourinho.

The Belgian striker, who was signed from Everton in a $140 million move last month, began repaying that investment with two fine finishes but it was not only his imposing presence in attack that give United a very different feel from last season.

New Manchester United signing Romelu Lukaku

New Manchester United signing Romelu Lukaku Photo: Photosport

Another new recruit, Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, brought from Chelsea, made an excellent debut in the defensive midfield role, breaking up any threats from West Ham and then prompting Unitedattacks with intelligence.

United showed a variety and inventiveness that too often was missing last season when they drew 10 home games.

One of those home draws came against the Hammers, the fourth in a row at Old Trafford, and a frustrated Mourinho was sent to the stands.

While the United manager has too much experience and sense to get carried away with an opening-day win, he acknowledged his side had delivered a quality performance.

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho Photo: Photosport

"The fact we start winning and are top, it means nothing. The performance and the levels of confidence is what means a lot to me. We lost two points against them last season and had similar games where we were dominated. Today we got the three points," he said.

-Reuters