Manchester United pulled off a 3-1 crushing of AFC Bournemouth to open their 2016-2017 Premier League campaign on Sunday at the Vitality Stadium.
Newcomers Zlatan Ibrahimović and Eric Bailly impressed during the match as the team dominated the Cherries throughout the whole more than 90 minutes of action.
The 34-year-old Swedish legend, who joined United on a free transfer this summer, virtually sealed the game with a debut goal for the Red Devils at the 64th minute, pushing the team's lead to 3-0.
Ibrahimović was an imposing figure up front for head coach Jose Mourinho's squad and had reportedly bullied the Bournemouth defense with winning headers, fantastic volley passes, and fancy assists, as per Daily Mail Online.
Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Bailly, who was a £30m addition from Villarreal also this summer, is also more than impressive in winning the Man of the Match award as he looked like a seasoned veteran at the Old Trafford during the contest, with composed passing and on-ball tackling all through the game.
United's first goal of the season surprisingly came from the man rumored to be on Mourinho's axe this summer, midfielder Juan Mata, during a persistent run to the goal off a mistake from Bournemouth defender and team captain Simon Francis at the 40th minute.
The Red Devils pressure on the Cherries' defense grew from there with aggressive plays from left winger Anthony Martial.
Their second goal came off an assist by Martial to United captain Wayne Rooney who shot an accurate header to avoid the outstretched arms of Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc one minute before the hour mark was reached, The Guardian reported.
Five minutes later, Ibrahimović unleashed his patented long-range power kick that went through several Cherry defenders and past Boruc again from an assist by Martial to make it a 3-0 lead.
Bournemouth defender Adam Smith scored a consolation goal at the 69th to avoid a humiliating shutout right in their home field during the team's opening game of the season.
The Red Devils are set to meet Southampton at the Old Trafford on Friday, which will mark the debut of Paul Pogba, while Bournemouth will next face West Ham United on Sunday at the London Stadium.
