Zlatan Ibrahimovic stars as Manchester United turn on style against Bournemouth

Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened his Premier League account with a lovely goal in a 3-1 win for Manchester United at Bournemouth.

The Swede struck from 25 yards to seal the victory for United as Jose Mourinho’s side began their campaign with a comfortable victory over Eddie Howe’s men.

United made a slow start to the match but were handed an opening goal on a plate five minutes before the half-time break when Juan Mata, constantly linked away from Old Trafford since Mourinho’s appointment, was played through on goal after a defensive mistake by Simon Francis before applying the finish.

Wayne Rooney, operating behind Ibrahimovic in United’s attack, doubled the advantage with a well-taken header on 59 minutes after good work from Antonio Valencia.

But it’s the former PSG talisman who will ultimately steal the headlines as he marked his league debut with a stunning strike five minutes later, leaving Arthur Boruc with no chance.

The hosts responded almost immediately with Adam Smith scoring a consolation goal on 69 minutes but it was ultimately too little too late for the Cherries.

How did Manchester United look under their new boss? This was a convincing performance and deserved result against a well organised Howe team. The performance of new boy Eric Bailly will have particularly pleased Mourinho while Juan Mata showed tremendous character and is clearly playing with a point to prove.

Eric Bailly (Manchester United): United have looked vulnerable in defence since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure and it’s no coincidence that Mourinho made signing a centre-back a priority. They’ve found themselves a real no-nonsense defender in the former Villarreal man.

Bournemouth: Boruc 5, Francis 5, S Cook 5, Surman 5, Arter 5, Daniels 6, Wilson 6, Smith 7, King 5, LCook 5, Ibe 6. Subs: Afobe 5, Gradel 5, Grabban 6.

Manchester United: De Gea 7, Valencia 8, Bailly 9, Blind 7, Shaw 6, Fellaini 6, Herrera 6, Mata 8, Rooney 7, Martial 6, Ibrahimovic 7. Subs:Schneiderlin N/A, Depay N/A, Mkhitaryan 5.

5’ - WIDE! The first opportunity of the match falls to Wilson, who fails to find the target from yards out! A deep cross was miscontrolled by Shaw, gifting possession to the Bournemouth striker but he couldn't test De Gea.

25’ - CHANCE! Valencia is played through the home defence, he picks out Mata in the penalty area who feeds Rooney but the England international's shot is straight at Boruc, who has an easy save to make. It's the closest United have come.

40’ - GOAL! Bournemouth 0-1 Man Utd - Juan Mata ironically scores the first goal of Jose Mourinho's Premier League campaign as United manager! It's handed to him on a plate as Francis underhits a pass back allowing the former Chelsea attacker through on goal for an easy finish.

51’ - PENALTY APPEAL! Rooney falls in the penalty area under the challenge of Surman but Andre Marriner signals play on! It looked dramatic from the skipper, who is perhaps fortunate not to be booked for simulation.

59’ - GOAL! Bournemouth 0-2 Man Utd - Rooney doubles United's advantage with a well-taken header! Valencia picks out Martial with an inch-perfect cross but the winger's shot is mis-hit and Rooney is in the right place to cushion his header past Boruc.

64’ - GOAL! Bournemouth 0-3 Man Utd - This is quickly turning into the perfect start for Jose as Ibrahimovic grabs a debut Premier League goal. He strikes from around 25 yards out, leaving Boruc no chance.

69’ - GOAL! Bournemouth 1-3 Man Utd - A fantastic strike from Smith gives the hosts a glimmer of hope! He's played through by substitute Lewis Grabban and makes no mistake, hammering the ball into the top corner and past De Gea.

Only Alan Shearer and Frank Lampard (8) have scored more opening day Premier League goals than Wayne Rooney (7).

Juan Mata scored a Premier League goal under Jose Mourinho for the first time.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is the first Armenian player to play in the Premier League, meaning 112 different nations have now been represented.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has now scored on his Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 and Champions League debut.

Jose Mourinho has won seven and drawn one of eight opening Premier League fixtures.