United lift EFL Cup after late Ibrahimovic winner
Reds defeat Southampton 3-2 at Wembley to give Mourinho his first major trophy since taking over at Old Trafford
Jose Mourinho became the first United manager in history to win a trophy in his first year at the club, after yesterday’s 3-2 EFL Cup win over Southampton.
United faced a tricky Southampton side who caused problems early scoring a disallowed goal in the opening minutes. Yet, the Red’s struck first through Zlatan Ibrahimovic free kick in the 19th minute before adding to the lead after a good finish from Jesse Lingard.
The Saint’s did stay in the game before the break with Marco Gabbiadiani pulling a goal back in extra time, the Italian then levelled the game with a stunner in the beginning of the second half causing a headache for Mourinho’s men.
However, the day was saved by man of the match Zlatan Ibrahimovic three minutes before the end of the game, securing his first trophy since joining the club in the summer of 2016.
United’s boss celebrated lifting his fourth League Cup coming level with Brian Clough’s trophy haul in the competition, “I'm obviously very happy with the victory, with the fact that I did it four times, the same as Mr Clough, and with a chance to win for a fifth time.”
With this victory still fresh in the minds of fans, the possibility of Mourinho’s bringing more trophies back to Old Trafford is very likely with United remaining respectively in both the Europa League and FA Cup.
The happy Red’s gaffer did pay his respects to a game Southampton side and manager Claude Puel, “His team did fantastic work and to lose in the 87th minute gives very little time to try to react. It's a bit unfair for them. They gave us a beautiful final, a beautiful match.”
Before asking an odd request to United fans to encourage their cup final hero stay another season in Manchester, “I never beg for a player to sign a contract, but, if needed, maybe United fans can go to Zlatan’s door and stay there all night, if needed. We all want, and believe, that he is going to stay another season.”