Herrera: United Badge Won The Cup Final

Ander Herrera believes Manchester United's aura and ethos - symbolised by the club crest - helped overcome Southampton in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

The midfielder, whose inviting cross teed up Zlatan Ibrahimovic's dramatic winner, believes Jose Mourinho's winning mentality is also rubbing off on the squad as the boss made it two trophies in his short time at Old Trafford, following the Community Shield success in August.

After a season where the Reds have been unfortunate not to win when dominating games, Herrera was satisfied the team pulled out all the stops, despite a tiring schedule, to score late on after relinquishing a two-goal lead. 

"Southampton played very well but we have been looking for this the whole season," he told MUTV.

"How many times have we played better than our opponents and had much more chances than our opponents, but didn't win? I said that sooner or later, the goals will come and I think we were very, very clinical on Sunday.

"Sometimes, the badge wins games and this was an example of that."

Reflecting on his latest winner's medal with United, the 2014 acquisition from Athletic Bilbao commented:

"It's a very nice feeling. Our second trophy of the season, my third with the club and all that's happened to me in this stadium [Wembley] has been brilliant. Our fans have another trophy for our brilliant history so everything is good."

The midfielder added: "I think one of the things [Jose] Mourinho has brought to this club is he is a winner. He shared that with the group, with the team and with the squad.

"At this moment, it's not very easy to beat us. We have to respect every opponent but the badge sometimes wins the game. We keep going. It's our second title of the season but it's not enough for us. 

"We are not having too much time to enjoy it with our people. We are playing every week now but have two days off as the manager understands perfectly what we need.

"Already, we have to focus on Bournemouth [Saturday's visitors to Old Trafford] as we have to be in the top four. We want to play in the Champions League next season."

Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic Carrying Manchester United?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was Manchester United's hero in the EFL Cup final win over Southampton on Sunday - but are Jose Mourinho's side too reliant on the Swede?

Ibrahimovic's match-winning double at Wembley took his tally to 26 goals in all competitions this season. No other Manchester United player is in to double figures.

The 35-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, has also played more minutes than any of his team-mates, and has created more chances than any other United player.

But is there a danger Ibrahimovic is carrying his team-mates? Gary Neville believes he is - and says at some point further down the line Mourinho will have to find some way of replacing not only the striker's on-field contribution but also his personality.


"He has to play every game at the moment," Sky Sports pundit Neville said on Monday Night Football.

"I've seen it over the years at United, they need players that have huge personality and character. You think of Bryan Robson or Roy Keane or Cristiano Ronaldo, even Wayne Rooney from three or four years ago when he was playing every single week.

"You look at Paul Pogba, who I don't think is playing particularly well, who has got a big personality, but I think of Ibrahimovic and Rooney leaving potentially in the next 18 months, and there's a huge void there to fill.

"Ibrahimovic is definitely carrying them at the moment. The other players on his team will look at him in the tunnel and they'll just feel confident by him being there.

"Over the last three years, United have lacked personality and character. In him they've got someone who believes and does everything he says he's going to do.

"Jose Mourinho needs to look at how he replaces that personality and that character at some point in the next 18 months because he's unbelievable at what he's doing at that club at the moment."

Jamie Carragher was also full of praise for Ibrahimovic, who joined United on a free transfer in the summer.

The Sky Sports pundit says the former Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan star has silenced any critics with his immediate success in the Premier League.

"I think it's unbelievable what we're watching," said Carragher.

"Throughout his career there was always a feeling in England that maybe he was a flat track bully. In Champions League games against English teams it never quite happened for him. But to think, after 30 years of age, he has got over 200 goals.

"Will he be able to cope with the demand of the Premier League? He told us he would and he's proved to be correct.

"For him to be carrying one of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United, at his age, in the most difficult position on the field, I just think we're watching something special.

"You only wish we had him in the Premier League 10 years ago."

Credit: Skysports.com

What Has Happened To Shaw?

Luke Shaw had the world at his feet when he made his £30m move from Southampton to Manchester United in 2014, but three years on he can barely get a game and his future is uncertain. What's gone wrong? And is there a way back under Jose Mourinho?

Paul Pogba soaked up the adulation. Zlatan Ibrahimovic stopped for interview after interview. Even the usually deadpan Michael Carrick had a grin on his face. But as the Manchester United squad gleefully celebrated their EFL Cup triumph at Wembley, there was Luke Shaw, shuffling around the pitch with his hands deep in the pockets of a black overcoat.

In United's biggest game of the season and against his former club Southampton, Shaw had not even been named on the bench. It's become a familiar story. The 21-year-old's only appearance in the last three months came in an FA Cup fourth round win over Championship strugglers Wigan. Since then, he has only made one matchday squad out of seven.

It's a curious situation. Shaw struggled in his first season at United and suffered a broken leg at the start of his second, but in between the poor form and cruel injuries there were signs of progress. Roy Hodgson compared him to Ashley Cole days before that fateful lunge from PSV's Hector Moreno at the Philips Stadion, and he started this season as Jose Mourinho's first-choice left-back.

Two years after becoming the world's most expensive teenager, it seemed Shaw might finally become a key player and consistent starter. He was named in United's line-up in the Community Shield win over Leicester, and a few weeks later he was talking up his relationship with a manager who once tried to sign him for Chelsea.

"We've had a little joke about it," he told The Guardian. "He's a cool manager. 'Why didn't you come?' he wanted to know. I just felt I had more opportunity of first-team football here. But now I'm with him and I'm really happy he's here. It hasn't been the best few years but all of a sudden it feels really good, really positive."

It's not difficult to pinpoint the moment things changed. It was mid-September and United were playing Watford at Vicarage Road when, with the scores level at 1-1, Shaw backed off Nordin Ambrabat in the build-up to the hosts' second goal. Mourinho might have taken issue with his team's failure to track Juan Zuniga, but Shaw bore the brunt of the criticism.

"The second goal was a mistake that goes against our plan and training because our intention was for their wing-backs to be pressed," said Mourinho. Shaw had been "25 metres away" from Amrabat, according to the United manager. "It is a tactical but also a mental attitude," he added.

The pair could be seen exchanging words as Shaw was substituted, and the incident evidently made a lasting impression on Mourinho. Shaw had started every one of United's five Premier League games at that point. He has only started one out of 21 since. After a 3-1 win over Swansea a month later, he was even accused of pulling out of United's squad on the morning of the game.

Has Mourinho made an unfair example of Shaw or is there something else there? The truth probably lies somewhere in between, but he isn't the first to have doubts. Louis van Gaal and Roy Hodgson voiced concerns over Shaw's fitness during his first year at Old Trafford, and Nigel Adkins, the man who gave him his debut at Southampton, was aware of the issues long before that.

"I'd only play him half an hour at a time in the Premier League," Adkins told Sky Sports in May 2015. "I was maybe getting some questions asked of me but we knew Luke couldn't play a full 90 minutes. He was still 17 and very young. He even struggled to play a full 90 minutes in the Under-18 team."

Adkins described Shaw's talent in glowing terms, but revealed he used to ask to train with Southampton's scholars instead of the first-team. He also recalled how the youngster needed special attention in all aspects of his development.

"We had to spend a lot of time looking after Luke because he was very young and there were the off-field things that go with that," he added. "We had to put a special group together just to help him develop his all-round lifestyle and give him an opportunity to deal with the situations that arose."

Mauricio Pochettino, Adkins' successor at Southampton, offered a similar appraisal in December 2013. "Luke is still learning how to be an experienced player and it is taking him time to mature," he said. "He is growing, maturing and needs to develop psychologically, mentally and tactically."

In hindsight, it's clear why Shaw found the step up difficult at Old Trafford. His mentality is a recurrent theme among his former coaches, and his past also provides clues as to why he might not have clicked with his current manager. Shaw responds best to an arm around the shoulder, but Mourinho is an uncompromising boss who likes tough characters who can take responsibility.

"I am playing with Daley Blind, with Marcos Rojo, with Darmian and all of them are playing the way I like a full-back to play," said Mourinho last week. "Luke has to wait for his chance and work better knowing that I give nothing for free. When I give something to the players it's expensive for them, they have to work really hard every day."

Shaw can take inspiration from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who fought his way back into the team after failing to impress Mourinho, but the United boss is currently so unconvinced that he's willing to go without a natural left-back. For a manager with a preference for specialists, it says a lot.

It also highlights the size of the task facing Shaw. "In this moment he is behind the others," added Mourinho. "Potentially he has many things that I like but potential is one thing, expressing all the qualities that I like a player to express on the pitch is another." The message is clear. If Shaw wants to join scenes of celebration like those at Wembley, it's down to him to start meeting his manager's demands.

Credit: Skysports.com

Ibra: My Special Day At Wembley

Zlatan Ibrahimovic walked through the Wembley Stadium mixed zone with the exact beaming smile you'd expect, after inspiring Manchester United to victory in the EFL Cup final against a determined and dangerous Southampton side.

The Swede struck twice during an enthralling 90 minutes, opening the scoring with a beauty of a free-kick, before delivering the decisive blow three minutes from time with a pinpoint header to send one end of Wembley delirious with delight.

Ibra spoke at length to the gathered media in the press area on Sunday, before taking further time to chat exclusively to ManUtd.com by the Wembley dressing rooms. Read what he said in the transcript below...

ZLATAN SPEAKS TO MANUTD.COM

"It feels good and I feel good. Winning trophies is always amazing but especially when you play at Wembley. A great atmosphere, 85,000 people... it’s not every week you play a final and you win it. This is the second time we are here, and the second trophy I get here with this club, so I am super happy.

"This is why I came. I came to win and I’m winning. This is what I said before I came, not like the other ones who use the situations when they win and they talk. I talk before and I do it, that’s the big difference.

"I think, with the manager, he’s used to winning. When you bring in a manager like this, you know what you get and, when you bring me, you know what you get.

"Every trophy is special, every trophy is important, this is what we play for. We don’t play for one trophy particularly, you have players that won one trophy – the World Cup, the Champions League… and then they didn’t won anything. You need to win every trophy you play for. That’s what I do.

"We have another three to play for. We work hard. We believe in what we are doing. Of course when you win a trophy, it gives you more confidence and the statistics speak for themselves - we could win five trophies, we have two and we have another three to play for. So let’s see what happens."

Raiola: No Guarantees Zlatan Will Stay

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola has refused to rule out the possibility of the striker leaving Manchester United this summer, saying "anything could happen".

The Swede took his goals tally for the season to 26 on Sunday as his double helped United seal a dramatic 3-2 victory over Southampton in the EFL Cup final.

Ibrahimovic has established himself as a firm favourite with United fans since joining on a one-year deal from Paris Saint-Germain in July, and has the option to stay for a second year.

Manager Jose Mourinho has gone on record saying he wants Ibrahimovic to be at Old Trafford next season but added: "I never beg for a player to sign a contract."

Raiola, who also represents Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, was noncommittal when asked about Ibrahimovic's future.

Raiola told talkSPORT: "I never speak about contract details with the press - I think that's something between the player, the club and myself.

"I think we should keep it that way and just enjoy the moment and we'll see what happens next year."

When asked if he expects him to be at United next season, Raiola added: "I don't disclude anything. Anything can happen and we will see what happens.

"We're now concentrated on the next cup. This was a very important cup and very emotional for him, for me and for Mourinho too.

"So let's just try to give the fans some more cups."

Credit: Skysports.com

EFL Cup final: Does Manchester United Win Make Season A Success?

Jose Mourinho was back doing what he does best at Wembley on Sunday - lifting silverware, as Manchester United beat Southampton in the EFL Cup final.

Mourinho claimed the season's first major trophy and ensured success just months after his appointment despite a largely disappointing United performance which was rescued by two-goal inspiration Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The 35-year-old Swede and Mourinho - instrumental in bringing him to Old Trafford after the pair forged a bond at Inter Milan - are now the two central figures leading United forward.

Can Mourinho and Ibrahimovic make Man Utd great again?

Mourinho was brought into Old Trafford as the manager who is as close to a guarantee of success and trophies as it gets after a silverware-lined career at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Old Trafford's joyless existence under Louis van Gaal demanded change and Mourinho was the identikit of the sort of manager required at the 'Theatre of Dreams' - a personality who would relish its history and surroundings rather than shrink from it.

Mourinho was also available and had a third Premier League triumph on his CV only 12 months earlier at Chelsea. It meant United were prepared to set to one side his track record for short-term stays in exchange for a quick fix.

United were thoroughly unconvincing at Wembley, but Mourinho and his teams invariably find a way to win trophies. And so it proved as Ibrahimovic headed home an 87th-minute winner.

Mourinho's move to bring the Swede in on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain was strategic and wise. He is a personality of equal stature and confidence, had a point to prove having never played in England and could provide the sort of charisma that had echoes of the great Eric Cantona.

How United needed Ibrahimovic on Sunday because for long periods they were desperately average, outplayed by Southampton and had their hand held by Lady Luck throughout.

If United are to build on this first trophy of the Mourinho era, Ibrahimovic's continued presence is essential because the EFL Cup final win is only the first building block in an edifice that requires considerable renovation after the dismal post-Sir Alex Ferguson years of David Moyes and Van Gaal.

Mourinho, however, is safe hands when it comes to winning trophies and United remain in serious contention for two more in the Europa League and FA Cup. This is a good start, but the success-hungry Portuguese will want more.

United's lean years simply could not continue with Pep Guardiola arriving at Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp settling at Liverpool and Antonio Conte conducting a brilliant transformation of Mourinho's former charges Chelsea.

Mourinho won the Premier League twice, as well as the FA Cup and two League Cups, in his first spell at Chelsea. He won 124 games out of 185 in that period, a win ratio of 67%.

He won 80 out of 136 (59%) in his second stint at Stamford Bridge - winning the title again and the League Cup - while he has won 28 of 43 at United at an impressive 65%.

The statistics add up to exactly what is required at Old Trafford.

He will chase the Champions League prize either through the Premier League or the Europa League because this is vital to his future plans.

In the meantime, Ibrahimovic once again proved himself indispensable. He was the difference here. He made the decisive contribution to clinch a game United did not deserve to win.

He is head and shoulders - quite literally - above every other player at United. He has scored 26 goals this season, with Juan Mata next with nine. He has had 143 shots compared to Paul Pogba's 117, and 65 shots on target compared to Pogba's 39.

Ibrahimovic tops every significant attacking table.

United are a long way from their former greatness - but this EFL Cup final proved conclusively that if they are going to get anywhere near that status again, Ibrahimovic is the man who is integral to Mourinho's plans, even at 35.

Does EFL Cup win make season a success for Man Utd?

United winning a Wembley final equates to tangible success - but successful seasons are measured in different currency in the modern era and Mourinho will need more than this to achieve full satisfaction.

Van Gaal, who led United to FA Cup success in May, was on his way out almost as soon as he placed the trophy on the same table Mourinho sat at on Sunday.

If winning the FA Cup was not enough to satisfy United's desires for success under Van Gaal then it would take a re-drawing of the boundaries to now paint the EFL Cup as fulfilling their ambitions.

There is a key difference in mood here - whereas Van Gaal's Wembley win felt like the end of a story, this victory, for all its good fortune, had the sense of new start.

Mourinho must now make this season feel like the full package of progress by leading United back into the Champions League, which is surely the minimum requirement after the world record transfer expenditure of £89m on Pogba and the Ibrahimovic coup.

And United still have an excellent chance of ensuring this season can be viewed as a success as they stand among the favourites for the Europa League, which offers a Champions League place to its winners.

Mourinho has already painted the last-16 meeting with Russians FC Rostov as a tough tie but he also has the chance to reach the top four in the Premier League, with United only two points behind Arsenal.

United have a potentially hazardous FA Cup quarter-final tie at Premier League leaders Chelsea to negotiate, but this is a season still moving on three fronts after securing that first major trophy.

The new reality is, though, that while the EFL Cup provides a trophy and satisfaction, United's season will only be a success if they conclude it back in Europe's elite competition.

What now for Wayne Rooney?

Wayne Rooney lifted the EFL Cup and demonstrated he is the consummate team player with his wild celebration of Ibrahimovic's winner - but this was still a player on the outside looking in.

The 31-year-old, who this week confirmed he was staying at United despite speculation linking him with a move to China, was denied a piece of the action by the match-winning contribution of the elder statesman who has usurped him as the team's spiritual leader.

Rooney was stripped and ready for action. With the words of Mourinho ringing in his ears and assistant manager Rui Faria showing him the diagrams United hoped would lead to a defining contribution, Ibrahimovic struck.

The United and England captain was sent back to the bench with no chance to add to his 250 goals for the club as Marouane Fellaini was called in for a late lockdown. It was a symbolic moment.

United's captain for the day, Chris Smalling, let the club's all-time record goalscorer Rooney lift the trophy and it is to his credit that there was no sense of personal denial or disappointment that he was left out then denied even the smallest part.

Rooney was delighted for his team-mates, which is a mark of his approach.

Despite this, there was no escaping the belief the guard has changed at Old Trafford. Rooney is no longer the main man - he is now well down the ranks and this was simply another piece of evidence of his declining influence and the credits rolling on a magnificent career at United.

Why the long face, Jose?

Mourinho's downbeat demeanour was a talking point throughout the EFL Cup final as he cut an unsmiling, subdued figure who barely showed any emotion even when United scored.

He insisted afterwards he was delighted: "I am very happy. It is important for the fans, for the club and for the players. I always try to put myself in the secondary position but the reality is it is also important for me."

United's performance was not designed to lighten Mourinho's mood until the moment of victory and it is likely his behaviour was shaped by concerns about how Southampton dominated his side for long periods and troubled his defence - normally his tactical strong point - throughout.

Victory will, however, lighten his mood, bolster his already high standing with United's fans and release any personal pressure he may have been feeling.

Credit: BBC Sport

Zlatan: Kids Persuaded Me To Join United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed his two children persuaded him to join Manchester United.

The striker scored United's opener and winning goal in the 3-2 win over Southampton at Wembley on Sunday with Jose Mourinho joking that supporters should "go to the door of his house" to encourage him to stay at Old Trafford for another season.

Ibrahimovic, who has scored 26 goals since arriving on a free transfer last summer, has yet to confirm whether he will sign a one-year extension clause.

The former Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan forward said it was down to the influence of his two sons and Mourinho that he joined United.

Asked about his plans for next season, the 35-year-old said: "Let's see what happens.

"I think in your career you have moments. I did not come to England before because it was not the moment.

"Even my two kids wanted to see me play at United, I had my mind somewhere else. Before, everything was coming on top of the table, then Jose called.

"I have a special relationship with him. When he called it was basically, 'tell me what number I should wear'.

"My mind was not here. Then my kids started to bump my head and Jose called, then I am here."

Ibrahimovic, who has been linked with a move to Serie A side Napoli, insists he is now "the boss" over his future rather than his sons Max and Vincent.

The EFL Cup triumph was the 30th trophy in his career since making his professional debut for Malmo in 1999.

He said it is "special" to prove his doubters wrong in England.

"I look good," he added. "I know I look good. I feel fresh. I feel good.

"I feel like an animal, I feel like a lion. I feel in good shape, I train hard.

"People who know me from the locker room know that I train very hard. I have an objective every season I go into.

"And to reach that objective I need to train hard and I need to suffer when I train - that is how I achieve what I achieve."

Credit: Skysports.com

Liverpool Change Twitter Bio Ahead Of Manchester United's EFL Cup Win

Liverpool were forced to alter their Twitter bio by a Manchester United supporter ahead of the EFL Cup final against Southampton.

Liverpool's profile claimed the mantle of being "England's most successful club with 41 major honours", but a United win at Wembley would see the Red Devils match the trophy haul.

Possibly predicting that United would indeed beat Southampton, Liverpool removed the phrase ahead of kick-off.

The club's new bio now reads: "Official worldwide account of Liverpool FC."

United made no mistake against Southampton to record a 3-2 win at the home of English football on Sunday afternoon.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed in his second of the game three minutes from time to help secure the Old Trafford club their 41st piece of major silverware - equaling the achievements of Liverpool.

The Reds previously stood alone at the top of the trophy charts with 18 league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, five European Cups and three UEFA Cups.

However, United's win at Wembley secured the club its fifth triumph in the League Cup to add to their record 20 league titles, 12 FA Cups, three European Cups and one Cup Winners' Cup win.

Other trophies, including the Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, are not classed as major honours.

United could move ahead of their bitter rivals if they win either the FA Cup or Europa League this season, while both clubs still hold faint hopes of catching Chelsea in the race for the Premier League title.

Credit: Skysports.com

Smalling: Zlatan & Mourinho Can Lead Man. United To More Trophies

Chris Smalling believes "born winner" Jose Mourinho and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic can lead Manchester United to more trophies this season.

Ibrahimovic scored twice in Sunday's 3-2 EFL Cup win over Southampton, hitting a 30-yard free-kick to open the scoring and heading home an 87th-minute winner after Saints had fought back from two goals down.

The victory means Mourinho becomes the first manager in United's history to win a major trophy in his maiden season at the club, and they remain in the FA Cup and Europa League with a top-six battle in the Premier League ongoing.

Smalling, who captained United at Wembley with Wayne Rooney an unused substitute, reckons the big-name summer arrivals can deliver more silverware - with Ibrahimovic now on 26 goals for the season.

"With the belief and confidence we have here, we have got a manager who is a born winner and Ibra finishing chances like that, who knows what can happen?" he said.

"He (Ibrahimovic) is our main man. He is our focal point, he is our target man who can hold it up and run in behind so we are lucky to have him.

"We will all enjoy it, but we all knew the importance of winning this and we are in so many other competitions as well."

Southampton were the better side for much of an enthralling final, with Manolo Gabbiadini scoring either side of half-time to bring Claude Puel's men level after Ibrahimovic and Jesse Lingard had struck.

Smalling admitted Saints put up a fight but did not want to point to United's potential fatigue as an excuse after they had played three times since Southampton's last game in the run-up to the final.

"It was disappointing to concede a goal just before half-time," he said. "I think that gave them a boost.

"I think in the second-half, form 80 minutes you could see some tired legs but all of the lads were digging in and when Ibra gets his chance he doesn't fail.

"Even the lead up to this game we had three games over Southampton while they have a break but you can see the togetherness and the more games we play, the better we are and the consistency is coming.

"At the minute it is about enjoying it, you don't want to dissect it just now, enjoy it and come next week we have got some chasing to do in the league."

Credit: Skysports.com

Ref Watch: EFL Cup Final

How did the officials get Manolo Gabbiadini offside call so wrong? Did Jesse Lingard deserve red in the EFL Cup final? Dermot Gallagher knows...

Man Utd 3-2 Southampton - Saints disallowed goal

INCIDENT: Manolo Gabbiadini sees his goal flagged for offside by Stuart Burt early on in Southampton's 3-2 defeat by Man Utd in the EFL Cup final. However, Ryan Bertrand was the player offside from the cross, and the defender was not interfering with play.

DERMOT'S VIEW: He's got it wrong because he's acted too fast, he hasn't waited. As you can see Bertrand is offside but not Gabbiadini. I feel sorry for the referee [Andre Marriner] because he may well have said to the linesman: "Are you happy with that?" and the linesman may have said yes.

Would I have gone across to the linesman? I think because the ball has gone dead [into the goal], that's the ideal time to use your time, but I think if the assistant believes he has got it right, he has no reason to call the referee over. It's just a real unfortunate error.

It's a big error. This is what we'd call a key match decision, and it affects the outcome of the game.

Stephens yellow card

INCIDENT: Jack Stephens goes in studs-up on Anthony Martial after the ball had run loose, but only uses one foot to tackle, and is not off the ground. Referee Andre Marriner gave Stephens a yellow card, and Stephens was in fact clipped by Jesse Lingard in the build-up to the incident.

DERMOT'S VIEW: I think the referee has done really well here, because he was clipped by Lingard. He's low, and he misses with his studs and gets him with his knee. The referee doesn't get influenced by the Manchester United protests.

Lingard fouls

INCIDENT: After Lingard was booked for the above incident on Stephens, he clips Nathan Redmond in the second half as the winger runs past him, but referee Marriner waves advantage after the Southampton man stayed on his feet. Lingard is not booked.

DERMOT'S VIEW: I think he's lucky because Redmond stays on his feet, and it doesn't stop a promising attack.

Credit: Skysports.com

Ibrahimovic's Mental Strength Is Vital For Man. United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's mental strength is absolutely vital for the Manchester United dressing room, according to Ray Wilkins.

The Swede scored twice, including an 87th-minute winner, as United beat Southampton 3-2 in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on Sunday to give Jose Mourinho his first major trophy as manager of the Old Trafford side.

Wilkins told Premier League Daily that Ibrahimovic reminded him of the strong characters he coached at Chelsea and believes his personality draws admiration from his United team-mates.

"The important thing when you play with the big clubs is the mental strength. This guy is so mentally tough that no-one can beat him. He knows that and he feels that when he goes on the pitch," Wilkins said.

"You can't put a price on what a player like him will give to a dressing room. I was fortunate to work at Chelsea with the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, the Cole's, Drogba and the dressing room was theirs. They ran the dressing room and he will be doing exactly the same.

"It's his character. When you play at big clubs you need to have a personality and this guy has it in abundance. If you look at those shots after the game, every player was around him and smothering him with adoration.

"I saw when they went in front he got the guys together as a group and he was having a little chat with them and this was the situation. I just think the guy has got so much personality.

"Jose never buys potential, or brings in potential. Jose brings in proven [players]. And this guy is probably the most proven footballer in world football, he has won everywhere he has been."

Ibrahimovic has won league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France and Wilkins says the 35-year-old's positional sense helps to make him so clinical in front of goal.

"He has played his football at the best clubs in the world, therefore, this guy hasn't only been with Jose, he's been with the top coaches in world football. He obviously has an amazing ability to keep himself fit," he said.

"When you watch Zlatan play, he plays when the ball is in his area. He's not a Wayne Rooney who sacrifices himself all over the pitch, he plays when it is in his area and is very effective at what he does.

"You can't get near him, when he receives the ball he just brings other players into the game so comfortably."

Fellow Premier League Daily guest Frank Sinclair said there are similarities between Ibrahimovic and Eric Cantona and their respective roles at Manchester United.

"I think Man Utd have had some top centre forwards over the years but I don't think they've had a character like him since Cantona," he said.

"The way he has walked into that dressing room with his chest out and said 'don't worry boys, I'll lead you to wherever we've got to go' and that's the type of character he is."

Credit: Skysports.com

Ibra Can Teach Rashford, Martial

In his latest Sky Sports column, Niall Quinn examines what Manchester United's younger strikers can learn from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's match-winning performance at Wembley.

Last week was a funny old time in football and a lot of us stopped to wonder if the game was changing so fast that we would soon not be able to recognise it. Humour and loyalty seemed to be in short supply.

On Sunday, in the game's swankiest parlour, Manchester United reminded us that things have not changed that much.

Yes, you could say that for the money United have spent, a League Cup is a scant return, but the manner in which they took their first silverware of the Jose Mourinho era had a little bit of the old United about it.

A lot of people, myself included, had an idea of Ibrahimovic over the years as a talented but slightly cartoonish character who kept cropping up at big clubs around Europe.

He won plenty of medals and scored a lot of goals that were worth a peak at YouTube, but we didn't get any sense of him apart from what seemed like an industrial-sized ego.

When he went to Paris Saint-Germain, it seemed as if he was easing into retirement and we dismissed his big tally of goals each season as being a symptom of how bad the French league was.

I remember seeing him interviewed last year before the season had got into the groove and he was explaining the nature of his travels. "I came, I won and I went," he said. At the time, I didn't think that he would grow on me but he has.

I wondered if Mourinho was doing a disservice to youngsters like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial by sticking them onto the shelf for a year or two while Zlatan was indulged.

The Swede was asked about that in the same interview and he spoke about how he was bringing stability and focus about what needed to be done to United and he thought he could benefit the young strikers there.

I think he was right. If you were a young player, the first thing you would wonder about is whether at the age of 35 you would still be able to be a dominating striker in the Premier League.

Zlatan's work-rate at that age on the pitch is only exceeded by what he does off the field. We've all seen the pictures of him working out wearing an altitude mask and how he brings his own physio from club to club, a mechanic basically who really knows the engine he is working with.

Zlatan is an unusual pro, not too many have trademarked their first name, but he is a model in that regard.

Secondly, he isn't afraid to miss. He's almost heroic in his courage in that regard sometimes. Nothing dents his confidence. He can have a howler, shrug his shoulders as if asking the gods if they thought they were being funny and then he'll try something again 20 seconds later.

When he scored his hat-trick against St Etienne recently, he threw in one miss that should be in his career highlights reel. I doubt if he even remembered it five seconds later.

As a young lad at Arsenal, I always watched guys like Mariner, Woodcock, Stapleton and Charlie Nicholas. I learned a lot about belief and hard work. And from Charlie I learned a bit more about champagne too.

Zlatan has something that all strikers need to learn. Keep going. Persist. Psychologically, you need to stay on top. In the game and in the season. The striker has to boss the defender. You can almost see it from the stands when a striker's confidence dribbles out of his boots. The defender knows he's won when he senses a crisis in the striker's brain.

Ibrahimovic's self-belief is gold plated and just can't be dented. Yesterday, Southampton played lovely football and looked to have bought really well yet again when Manolo Gabbiadini scored his fourth and fifth goals in three games - and should have had another allowed. They hauled themselves back from a two-goal deficit but it wasn't enough though.

In the editions of United we have seen since Alex Ferguson departed, it would have been enough all right, but Ibrahimovic has the best winners strut we have seen since Eric Cantona was around.

When Ander Herrera crossed late in the game, Southampton were probably thinking of how they would regroup for extra time. As that ball came across and we saw that Ibrahimovic had stolen a yard, we knew that it was all over.

The great strikers love the spotlight. The big Swede brings that quality back to United. They probably won't win the league this year but some of that confidence has to be contagious. The apprentices will have seen what it takes to be the master.

There was more that I liked. Ibrahimovic makes no bones about being the boss and comparing himself to big screen heroes like Indiana Jones.

In the second half on Sunday, there was a lovely flicked reverse pass to Rashford and a cute backheel to Paul Pogba. Afterwards, he went out of his way to credit Herrera for the late cross and talk about the efforts of the team.

Several times during the year, especially in interactions with Pogba, we've seen glimpses of an Ibrahimovic who is funny and a bit more of a Dead Poets Society teacher than a swashbuckler behind the scenes.

United's revival as a club has needed this leader on the field. As Southampton's confidence grew on Sunday, you could see the doubt spreading through the younger players. They've had lots of days when they have been playing in United jerseys but not really feeling the magic or the invincibility.

The men they looked up to as kids were never beaten in situations like that. In the glory years, late United goals to win games seemed to be just a byproduct of their belief in themselves. For the younger players at United to have shared the dividend of that sort of belief with their iconic striker at Wembley will be a lesson that will stay with them.

He has scored 26 goals this season and I'm sure he will cruise past the 30-mark soon. Last summer, this looked like a risky one-year experiment by Mourinho, a sideshow while building work went on. The man whom we know now though is certainly capable of pulling United higher up the mountain again next year.

Whether he wins another league medal to add to his collection doesn't seem to matter much anymore. Zlatan has taken United under his wing and strengthened them in a way that will endure long after the last crusade finishes for him. His students' progress could well be his greatest achievement.

Credit: Skysports.com

Jose's Trophy Haul Has Just Begun

Deep in the bowels of Wembley Stadium, around an hour after Manchester United had lifted the EFL Cup following a chaotic 3-2 win over Southampton, Jose Mourinho was asked a bold question at his press conference: 'Why do you not look happy about the success?'

The boss looked out with a slight glint in his eyes, retained a stony face, stared down the inquisitor, and delivered a dry response that has made him a journalist’s dream throughout his storied career. “I am very happy, I am very happy,” he uttered, with the look of someone whose loved ones had just been insulted. 

What followed was even more typical of Mourinho: he spoke of allowing the players to enjoy their victory without him, as he cast his own thoughts towards greater prizes on offer to him. For he is a serial winner, an ultimate trophy-collector, greedy in the best possible sense, whose haul as Reds manager has just begun.

“It is important for the fans, the club and the players,” Jose said. “I always try to put myself in the secondary position. The reality is also important to me: I put a lot of pressure on myself. I wanted very much to win a major trophy with every club and, by doing that with Manchester United, it is quite a sense of relief. It was a big target for me to win a trophy with Manchester United.

“But the reality is we want more. My contract is long. I have two more years, plus this one, so hopefully I can win something more this season. I know it is difficult, but we have to fight for more.”

As a fan sitting in that room, officially under the guise of a ManUtd.com reporter, it was hair-raisingly inspirational to hear such talk from Mourinho. Yes, he admitted to feeling emotional at becoming the most successful manager in League Cup history alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough, but he also displayed a winning mentality that has United fans purring about the future.

Winning the EFL Cup will transpire to be an unquestionable highlight of the season – every other club would love to lift it, and don’t let them tell you otherwise – yet in the history of our great club, there are higher mountains to climb, wider rivers to cross, and this current regime has a genuine opportunity to conquer every summit. Mourinho very clearly knows that, and plans to achieve something special in his reign.

Sunday’s two-goal hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a loyal lieutenant of Mourinho who moved to England on his former Internazionale manager’s request, later spoke to reporters about his burning desire to add medals to his glittering haul of trinkets. “I want even more,” was his mantra and that mentality has tellingly been flowing through the veins of every great Manchester United team in history.

The classic example of such burning ambition at United was Roy Keane, a man whose internal focus and desire carried him from the streets of Cork to the annals of football history. The former captain still deems the iconic 1998/99 Treble season as a missed opportunity. “We should have won four trophies,” he often states, without even a hint of a smile. “The League Cup was there for the taking!”

Mourinho shares that attitude and knows United can lift more silverware this campaign, with the club still in the FA Cup and progressing nicely in the Europa League. He says the Premier League title is too far out of reach, yet he knows this spirited group can still challenge and plans to finish in top spot in 2017/18.

That's why the best part of Sunday’s EFL Cup final was not the success itself, but the promise of much more to come. Mourinho is restoring the club's impeccably high standards in this difficult post-Ferguson era and deserves great credit for setting such a determined tone. We shall celebrate this achievement, he says, but let us not dwell on it. Now is the time to strive for greater, more historic feats.

“It is one less competition that we delete from our minds,” Jose concluded at the close of his press conference at Wembley. “We had it in our minds for about a month. Now it is over. It is finished.”
Thankfully, for every Manchester United fan, Jose Mourinho’s trophy quest is far from complete. 

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United.

Credit: Manutd.com

Ibra & Pogna Joke After EFL Cup Final

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba were in a jovial mood after Manchester United beat Southampton in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.

Ibrahimovic scored twice, including the winner in the 87th minute, as United withstood a fightback from Saints to triumph 3-2.

Both Ibrahimovic and Pogba joined United last summer, with the former joining on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain and Pogba signing as the world's most expensive player from Juventus.

Their contrasting price-tags raised a laugh in their post-match interview as Pogba said Ibrahimovic's performance showed why the club bought him.

"Bought him? I came for free, they bought you!" joked Ibrahimovic in response.

Ibrahimovic's double has seen him score 26 goals in all competitions this season, more than any other player in the Premier League.

Credit: Skysports.com

Le Tissier: Offside Call Disgusting

Matt Le Tissier has branded the decision to rule out Manolo Gabbiadini's opening goal in the EFL Cup final as "disgusting".

The Italian striker looked to have secured an 11th-minute lead for Southampton in their first major final appearance since 2003, turning Cedric Soares' cross beyond Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea from six yards.

But, with Ryan Bertrand having stayed beyond the last United defender, the linesman chalked Gabbiadini's effort off for offside, despite the left-back not making contact with the ball.

The decision prompted fiery criticism from Sky Sports pundit and former Saints midfielder Le Tissier, who took offence with the decision he felt distorted the the complexion of the final.

"If Southampton had scored the first goal it would have put a whole new complexion on this game," he said.

"At this level, the assistant has to get the decision right. The linesman cannot even see Gabbiadini (because he's behind Chris Smalling, onside) so how can he flag him offside?

"What is he thinking? How can he think Bertrand tapped the ball in?

"This is a cup final, he has to get these decisions right and that decision was disgusting."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jesse Lingard would both go on to score before the Saints finally found the back of the net through Gabbiadini's strike in first-half stoppage time.

The January signing then hauled his side level three minutes after the interval, but it proved to be fruitless as Ibrahimovic's 87th-minute winner saw United win the trophy.

Credit: Skysports.com

Zlatan Modern-day Cantona

Phil Neville believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic is Manchester United's modern-day Eric Cantona after his EFL Cup-winning exploits.

Having clinched the Community Shield with a late header against Leicester in August, the Swede repeated the feat at Wembley on Sunday, stooping in the 87th minute as United overcame Southampton to seal their fifth League Cup triumph.

Ibrahimovic also netted the opener in the 3-2 victory, which saw Jose Mourinho become the first Manchester United manager to win a major honour in their first season at the club.

After his two-goal cameo, Neville likened Ibrahimovic's influence to that of United legend Cantona, who played a key role in the club's rise to the top of English football in the 90s.

"Zlatan is the leader," Neville, who won 14 honours during a glittering 10-year spell at Old Trafford, told Sky Sports. "I know Wayne Rooney lifted the cup but Zlatan is the leader on the pitch.

"When Cantona walked onto the pitch with his collar up he looked like he loved Old Trafford, he had the aura and confidence. Ibrahimovic is the same.

"Sometimes you hate people who have that much arrogance but I love that because he delivers at the same time.

"When you're a manager and join a new club you need one player who sings off your hymn sheet. Ibrahimovic is that player for Mourinho."

Despite racing into a two-goal lead, thanks to Ibrahimovic's opener and Jesse Lingard's third goal in his third Wembley final, United had to play second-fiddle for much of the 57th League Cup final.

Having had his opener wrongfully ruled out for offside, Manolo Gabbiadini's double hauled the Saints level, and Claude Puel's men dominated for large parts.

But Neville highlighted Ibrahimovic's crucial contribution when it mattered most, as the Swede defended a Southampton corner before rounding off a counter to win the trophy.

"United were awful at defending set pieces but Ibrahimovic was there heading clear in the build up to his goal," he added.

"He wins the first header and makes up a lot of ground to be the first point of the counter attack.

"With Southampton all over the place, he finds himself on the right and then gets himself in the box and produces a trademark finish."

Credit: Skysports.com

Zlatan Is The Difference

Zlatan Ibrahimovic showed what world class really means in deciding the EFL Cup final in Manchester United's favour, writes Adam Bate.

"Bought me? I came for free. They bought you." Zlatan Ibrahimovic's words to Paul Pogba provided a light-hearted moment amid the celebrations in the immediate aftermath of Manchester United's EFL Cup final win over Southampton, but the point felt a pertinent one too.

For while Pogba is the world record signing, it is Ibrahimovic who has been United's world-class performer this season. That much was underlined in his two-goal man of the match display at Wembley on Sunday. "He was the difference," acknowledged Jose Mourinho.

The contrast between the pair did not flatter the £89m man as Pogba struggled to find his best form in a deeper role. Where the Frenchman was frustrated, Ibrahimovic was only focused. "Pogba talks the talk. Ibra walks the walk," said Phil Neville in the Sky Sports studio.

Curiously, Mourinho volunteered a positive assessment of the younger man's efforts and there is, of course, a danger in criticising the big-game credentials of quality players just because of one underwhelming display on English soil. Ibrahimovic pointed that out himself.

But as far as the star striker is concerned, the theme is clear. He, the 35-year-old free transfer, is the main man at Old Trafford. Pogba has the pressure and the hashtag, Wayne Rooney lifted the trophy but not for the first time it was Ibrahimovic who won the match.

He has now scored 20 goals in his last 22 appearances for United, a sequence that's included what Michael Carrick described afterwards as "big important goals". Eleven times now, such as the equaliser against Liverpool, his strikes have swung things United's way.

Of course, it is about more than the goals too. "He's got guts, character and personality," Gary Neville told Sky Sports. "He's filled that shirt well. It's what the team needed and what the club needed after three years that have been tough. What a player, what an example."

His leadership was obvious. When Jesse Lingard doubled United's lead, Ibrahimovic was conspicuously urging his team-mates to concentrate even as they celebrated. The younger players might have felt the game was already won but his concerns were well founded.

These are the intangibles, but there were plenty of practical examples too. He won possession more times than United's two centre-backs combined and was a powerful presence in clearing the crosses that rained in on his team's own penalty area.

The final few minutes seemed to sum it up. First he headed away a goalbound header from Jack Stephens and then joined in the breakaway himself. When the ball finally found its way back into the Southampton box, he was there unmarked to score the winner.

In stoppage time, he was sprinting back to close down the opposition full-back as Saints attempted to launch one final attack and with just seconds on the clock he was the one who bought the foul that ensured United would see it out. No wonder he is never substituted.

And no wonder Mourinho rates him so highly. The two men share an ethos - the mentality that winning is not so much a welcome by-product of doing the right things but the essence of it all and the measure by which they define themselves. Ibrahimovic admits as much.

"I came to win and I'm winning," he explained. "The more I win, the more satisfied I get. That's me. It's all about winning. It's all about collecting the trophies." When Phil Neville said that Ibrahimovic reminded him of Roy Keane, you swiftly understood what he meant.

Others have compared his influence to that of Eric Cantona. These are the players who are capable of creating a winning culture within a club. A culture of demanding the very best and men who are able to carry their team-mates through the important moments.

"He's won us the cup," acknowledged Carrick, although the recipient of his praise disagreed. "This is a team effort," said the Swede. "This is not about an individual." For once, he was being far too modest. He might have come for free but Ibrahimovic is priceless for United.

Credit: Skysports.com

EFL Cup Delight For Carrick

Michael Carrick was bursting with delight and praised match winner Zlatan Ibrahimovic after Manchester United edged past Southampton in a sensational EFL Cup final at Wembley.

The Reds came out on top in a five-goal thriller to secure a fifth League Cup triumph as Ibrahimovic headed home an 87th-minute winner at the national stadium.

And, although Carrick admitted his team could have played better on the day, he was pleased to be on the winning side in a fantastic game and hopes to build on the success, with United still in the hunt to win the Europa League and retain the FA Cup.

The midfielder, who came on as a substitute for Juan Mata at half-time, said after the 3-2 win: “It's a good job [we won] really because we weren’t at our best. They had chances, we had chances, and it was a terrific final.

“I think sometimes finals can be quite difficult in the fact that both teams cancel each other out, but plenty of chances and plenty of goals, both teams went for it and we are delighted to come away for the win.

“That’s all that matters in finals and we’re just so happy to get this trophy and hopefully this will kick us on for the rest of the season.”

Top scorer Ibrahimovic took his tally to 26 goals in all competitions this season with a first-half free-kick to break the deadlock before Jesse Lingard doubled the lead but, after Manolo Gabbiadini’s double drew the Saints level, the no.9 popped up with the decisive headed goal to seal the trophy for the Reds late on.

When asked about the Swedish striker’s irrepressible debut campaign at the club, Carrick said: “Zlatan is incredible. People keep asking questions of him but to play as many games as he has is, to start with, is some achievement, and then he's scored big goals with it, important goals. There’s been no bigger goal than his second one today and he’s won us the cup.”

Ibrahimovic’s late contribution brought more Wembley glory for United after last May’s FA Cup success and the Community Shield win at the start of 2016/17. It’s an achievement that Carrick believes is a significant one for the squad.

“It’s hard to explain how big it is but I think the FA Cup was big last year for this group of players, to get that winning feeling and we carried it on into the Community Shield," said the 35-year-old.

"Today was another big one for us. We knew that, going into the game, and we really sensed it so to achieve that success is great. Now we can look forward again."

6 Talking Points From EFL Cup Final

Manchester United and Southampton served up a classic EFL Cup final that will live long in the memory of every Reds supporter. ManUtd.com's Ryan Grant was at Wembley Stadium to see the action unfold and he has picked out some of the many talking points from the game...

1: A MODERN CLASSIC
It was an end-to-end, up and down, nail-biter of a final which will be remembered fondly. At times, like many of the United fans inside Wembley, I was on the edge of my seat in the press box, while occasionally also sinking lower and lower into it. The Reds were cruising at 2-0 up but, to great credit, Southampton fought back admirably with two goals from Manolo Gabbiadini to leave the game finely poised for the majority of the second half. There were saves and scrambles, close calls and high stakes, but ultimately it was Jose Mourinho's men - courtesy of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's late winner - who prevailed.

2: BORN FOR THE BIG STAGE
What can we say about Zlatan that hasn't already been said? Simply put, the Swedish striker was born for occasions like this and he delivered the goods once again! Ibra opened the scoring with a superb free-kick on 19 minutes, before his 87th-minute header sent the West End of Wembley into raptures. His performance comes as little surprise to those who have watched him this season, but it's one that deserves endless praise nonetheless. Zlatan has won all six of the domestic cup finals he's featured in, scoring seven goals in the process, and he's also netted 26 goals in all competitions this season.

3: JESSE LOVES WEMBLEY
While we're on the subject of players loving the big stage, Jesse Lingard's remarkable record at Wembley continued with a fine finish that put the Reds 2-0 up. The Academy graduate came into the team following an injury to Henrikh Mkhitaryan and justified his selection, with a strike that adds to previous efforts in the FA Cup final and this season's FA Community Shield. He might have scored another on 77 minutes before being replaced by Marcus Rashford, but he's quickly building his own list of great United goals. “It’s up there," Jesse said, when asked where Sunday's goal ranks in his career. "It’s helped the team win another trophy and that’s why you’re on the pitch, you’ve always got to help your team.”

4. A CLUB RECORD FOR JOSE
Mourinho became the first United manager to win a major trophy in a debut season at Old Trafford. Sunday's triumph was also Jose's fourth in the competition after three previous successes during his two tenures at Chelsea, drawing him level with Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough. Victory over Southampton means the Portuguese coach has impressively won 11 of his 13 cup finals as a manager, and the boss summed up his winning mentality after the game. "I’m a bit emotional," he said. "It’s not easy to win titles so many times, it’s not easy to cope with the pressure I put myself under all of my career."

5. WEMBLEY TALLY EQUALED
This visit to Wembley was United's 49th in history and that tally is equaled only by Arsenal. There is still time for Mourinho’s men to move clear of the Gunners before the end of the season, with two trips potentially coming in the FA Cup semi-final and final (the Reds must beat Chelsea in the quarter-final first).

6: ROONEY SHOWED HIS PASSION
Wayne returned to the squad from a period of injury to sit on the bench and was set to enter the action as a substitute when the score was 2-2. However, Ibrahimovic's later winner prompted a decisive Mourinho to send Marouane Fellaini on instead with a view to securing the victory. While that must have been disappointing for the captain, he certainly didn't show it when celebrating wildly on the touchline. Footage of his passionate reaction spread like wildfire on social media, with many fans praising his behaviour.

LIngard On Wembley Record

Jesse Lingard cannot put his finger on any reasons behind his fantastic scoring record at Wembley but was pleased to make a telling contribution as Manchester United won the EFL Cup.

The England international was recalled to the starting line-up by Jose Mourinho and operated in the no.10 role to great effect, capping an impressive display with the second goal in the Reds’ thrilling 3-2 win over Southampton in Sunday’s final.

The national stadium is quickly becoming Lingard’s second home after his memorable winner in the Emirates FA Cup final against Crystal Palace last May and well-taken goal in the Community Shield versus Leicester City at the start of this season.

When asked for his thoughts on why Wembley is a ground he loves to score at, Lingard told MUTV: “I’m not too sure really. I think, since I scored the first time and obviously lifted the trophy, it was a mad feeling and you want to carry it on the rest of the times you play at Wembley.”

At the age of 24, Lingard still has plenty of years left in his burgeoning career but has already racked up a number of impressive achievements so far in his playing days, even before breaking into the United first-team in the 2014/15 season.

The no.14 admitted it will take something special to eclipse his stunning extra-time strike against Crystal Palace which secured the FA Cup for the Reds last season.

However, when asked where his goal against the Saints ranks among his other achievements, he said: “It’s up there. It’s helped the team win another trophy and that’s why you’re on the pitch, you’ve always got to help your team.”

After Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s sublime free-kick broke the deadlock, Lingard collected Marcos Rojo’s pass to calmly slot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box but, with the game seemingly heading for extra-time after Manolo Gabbiadini’s double for Southampton, Ibrahimovic headed home a dramatic late winner to seal United’s fifth League Cup triumph.

The success is the Reds’ third trophy in the space of nine months, as well as a first major piece of silverware under Jose Mourinho since the manager’s arrival last summer.

And Lingard believes the club have rediscovered the winning habit which is needed to be successful.

On another trophy for the Reds: “Manchester United have got a history of winning trophies – we won two last year and obviously one at the start of the season, so we’ve got a knack for winning and, you know, as soon as you get that winning feeling, you always want more.”

Mourinho Reacts To EFL Cup Win

Jose Mourinho became the first Manchester United manager to win a trophy in a debut season by lifting the EFL Cup at Wembley Stadium and the boss was “emotional” when discussing the success, praising two-goal hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic and applauding the efforts of Southampton.

The boss has now won the competition four times in total following previous triumphs with Chelsea, which makes him the most decorated manager in League Cup history alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough.

Here are the main points from Mourinho's post-match interviews and press conference…

ZLATAN WON US THE CUP
“He won the game for us, he was outstanding. Paul Pogba was at a similar level but Zlatan was outstanding in a match where our opponent was better than us for large periods of the game. They deserved to go to extra-time, they didn’t deserve to lose, but Zlatan made the difference and won us the cup.”

CREDIT TO SOUTHAMPTON
“I’m a bit emotional. It’s not easy to win titles so many times, it’s not easy to cope with the pressure I put myself under all of my career. It was a game I felt was difficult, so credit goes to Southampton. We have the cup in our hands but we should be playing extra-time. Winning is always special. The day I don’t get emotional when I win is the day I go home.”

WE HAD TIRED LEGS ON THE PITCH
"I think Southampton were in Spain, they were quiet, they were preparing while we were playing, travelling, playing in the Europa League, in the Premier League, in the FA Cup. We could see that. The moment the game was broken with the 2-2, they had an advantage. I think we were lucky to be 2-0 up, but we were very unlucky to be at 2-1 because that changed completely the direction of the game. The 2-2 goal was a phenomenal goal, it was technically such a difficult shot. Gabbiadini is phenomenal, but then the game was broken and I could see the difference between Herrera and Sean Davis. I could see the difference between Redmond and others. But it is something that we coped with because we were humble, the boys fought together and obviously had a bit of luck. The 3-2 came in a moment when it was difficult for them to react."

A BIG TARGET ACHIEVED WITH UNITED
"I am very happy, I am very happy. It is important for the fans, the club and the players. I always try to put myself in the secondary position. The reality is also important to me. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I wanted very much to win a major trophy with every club and by doing that with Manchester United, it is quite a sense of relief. It was a big target for me to win a trophy with Manchester United but the reality is we want more. My contract is long, I have two more years plus this one so hopefully I can win something more this season. I know it is difficult, but the reality is we have to fight for more.”

A SECOND SEASON FOR IBRAHIMOVIC?
"I never beg for a player to sign a contract, I never beg for a player to play for me. One day Zlatan decided to go to Barca from Inter. I was very sad, but I did nothing to try to stop him from going. I don’t beg for players but if needed, I think United fans can go to the door of his house and stay there all night if needed. I think they will go for sure. We want, we believe, that he is going to stay with us for one more season.”

REDS WILL MOVE ON QUICKLY
“I don’t want to look at this win as a platform. I prefer to look at it as something in hand. It is one less competition that we delete from our minds. We had it in our minds for about a month. It is over, it is finished. It is a sense of relief. This game was a tricky final, Southampton are a club that is growing. They have good players, a good coach, their fans were the same number as our fans, so this was a tricky kind of final. I was afraid of this one more than the other finals when you know another giant is the other side. This one was tricky."

MATCHING SIR ALEX AND BRIAN CLOUGH ON FOUR LEAGUE CUPS
"It’s fantastic. We know Sir Alex [Ferguson] is the best ever, so to be with him and also Mr Clough, with his great history in English football with Nottingham Forest, for me it’s fantastic. But the most important thing for me is the happiness of everyone at the club. I saw the owners, I saw the fans, I saw the players, that is the most important thing for me."

Ibra: I Am Hungry For More

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's late goal proved decisive as Manchester United won the EFL Cup at Wembley, and the striker has already set his sights on more silverware this season.

The Swede headed home with just three minutes remaining to seal a dramatic 3-2 win over Southampton, who had fought back from 2-0 down after first-half efforts from Ibrahimovic and Jesse Lingard.

Having already won the Community Shield back in August, United are still challenging in three competitions, and the man of the moment is targeting even more success.

Asked if he has always been a winner, Zlatan told MUTV: "It feels so. Wherever I went, I won and I'm happy for it because I had a long career, I had a fantastic career. Before coming to England I could have settled down and been happy with what I'd achieved. But that's me, I'm not satisfied, I want more and I'm still hungry, even at this age.

"This is my second trophy with the club [after the Community Shield] and I'm super happy. I came to win and I'm winning. Southampton played very well and we didn't play like we normally do. But that doesn't mean that they didn't do good because they played a good game. From losing 2-0 to come back to 2-2 is not easy also so they did a good game. Congratulations to them for the good game but the trophy is ours.

"It feels amazing because we won the game. Not an easy game, it was difficult, it was a good opponent but it's all about winning. No matter how good you are, or how bad you do it, if you win, you do what you need to do and that's the most important thing."

Ibrahimovic's double takes his tally to 26 goals in all competitions in 2016/17, and he's in no doubt that he made the right decision in joining United last summer.

"I got a call from Jose Mourinho - I have a good relationship with him and that's why I came," he added, in an interview with Sky Sports. "I know I made the right choice. I predicted what I would do. I came - that's special."

EFL Cup Final: Man. United 3 Southampton 2

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was ultimately the Manchester United hero on another dramatic day at Wembley as Jose Mourinho claimed his first trophy as Reds manager with a thrilling 3-2 EFL Cup final victory over Southampton.

The Swede struck two goals, including the vital winner three minutes from time, to seal a fifth League Cup triumph for United. But it was far from plain sailing for the Reds who were pegged back by the impressive Saints, having gone two goals ahead in the first half thanks to Ibrahimovic and Jesse Lingard.

Manolo Gabbiadini netted twice for the Saints, but United, in typical fashion, found a way to emerge victorious and win the silverware through Ibrahimovic's late header.

While Southampton named an unchanged side from their last match two weeks ago, Mourinho made six alterations to the team that won at Saint-Etienne in midweek. In came David De Gea, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Lingard and Anthony Martial for Sergio Romero, Ashley Young, Daley Blind, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and the injured Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

It was the Reds who had the first sight of goal when Paul Pogba’s well-struck shot was punched away by Fraser Forster, but it was the Saints who enjoyed the best of the opportunities in the opening period and they would have been ahead but for an offside flag on 11 minutes.

Gabbiadini had the ball in the net after a cross from Cedric from the right, but the flag was up against Ryan Bertrand who was running in behind Gabbiadini and the effort was chalked off.

The Saints continued to look dangerous in attack but an incident at the other end, on 19 minutes, brought the first goal of the game. Oriol Romeu’s foul on Herrera allowed Ibrahimovic to take aim from 25 yards with a sublime free-kick over the wall and past the outstretched arm of Forster.

The goal did little to deter Saints who continued to attack and United had De Gea to thank after two excellent stops from James Ward-Prowse and Dusan Tadic.

Chances were less frequent for the Reds but when they came, Mourinho’s men made them count and it was Lingard who utilised some space in the box to double United’s advantage on 38 minutes. After receiving a pass from Rojo, the man who netted in the 2016 FA Cup final and 2017 Community Shield opened up his body and rolled a measured effort into the far corner.

That strike seemed to have put the Reds in complete control, but Gabbiadini gave Claude Puel’s men a lifeline in first-half injury-time. The Saints raided down United’s left flank again and Ward-Prowse’s cross was flicked past De Gea by the Italian.

HALF-TIME STATISTICS
Possession: United 46% Southampton 54%
Shots: United 3 Southampton 5
Shots on target: United 3 Southampton 3
Corners: United 0 Southampton 4

Things got even better for Southampton three minutes after the restart when their Italian striker found the net once more. After De Gea had made another fine stop from Nathan Redmond, the Reds failed to clear a corner and a header back into the box by their captain Steve Davis was pounced on by the Southampton striker who turned on the half-volley and fired home.

The momentum was now with the Saints but Forster almost presented United with a chance to retake the lead when his loose ball fell to Martial who put Zlatan through. Fortunately for the goalkeeper, he was able to race from his line and block at the forward's feet.

Minutes later Southampton almost went in front as Romeu rose to meet Ward-Prowse’s corner and saw his header come back off the post.

United’s best chance since half-time arrived when a cross into the box dropped to Lingard, but the Reds’ matchwinner last May couldn’t repeat his heroics as his shot flew over the bar.

Lingard was replaced by Marcus Rashford seconds later and the substitute's low drive was saved by Forster, before Southampton went up the other end. Had it not been for some last-ditch defending and hold-your-breath moments as the ball skipped across the face of goal, the Saints could have won it.

Instead it was left to Ibrahimovic to send United fans into dreamland as the Reds broke forward on 87 minutes with Herrera eventually supplying an inch-perfect cross for the Swede to head home and seal a fifth League Cup triumph for United amid jubilant scenes once again at Wembley.

FULL-TIME STATISTICS
Possession: United 48% Southampton 52%
Shots: United 10 Southampton 12
Shots on target: United 6 Southampton 5
Corners: United 3 Southampton 12

Teams

United: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling (c), Rojo; Herrera, Pogba; Lingard (Rashford 77), Mata (Carrick 46), Martial (Fellaini 90); Ibrahimovic. Subs not used: Romero, Blind, Young, Rooney.

Booked: Herrera, Lingard.

Southampton: Forster, Cedric, Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand, Romeu, Davis (c) (Rodriguez 90), Ward-Prowse, Tadic (Boufal 78), Redmond, Gabbiadini (Long 83). Subs not used: Hassen, Caceres, McQueen, Hojbjerg.

Booked: Romeu, Stephens, Redmond.

Why United Deserve This Day At Wembley

When Jose Mourinho was installed as Manchester United manager, he was unequivocal. "I want everything," he told the footballing world and, thus far, he has remained completely true to his word.

He never wants to short-change the supporters and always picks strong sides. Even with a 3-0 lead to take to Saint-Etienne in the Europa League in midweek, he still started the likes of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Mourinho wants to maintain a winning mentality, no matter how taxing the schedule becomes.

It is the clear the boss believes it is his duty to bring silverware to this huge club and because he felt the Community Shield was more of a testament to Louis van Gaal for winning the FA Cup, this trophy is the first one he will have targeted. You can imagine the date of today's EFL Cup final, Sunday 26 February 2017, was circled in his freshly-opened Manchester United diary. In red pen, of course.

Mourinho is a winner and his team thoroughly deserve a place opposite Southampton at Wembley on the back of the manager's refreshing attitude. When sections of the media were hoping the Reds came a cropper at Northampton Town in September, on the back of successive defeats to Manchester City, Feyenoord and Watford, a convincing 3-1 victory was instead recorded on the road.

Neighbours City had already won in the Premier League at Old Trafford, and everywhere else for that matter, when the fourth-round draw was made. Juan Mata's winner clinched a deserved triumph as a packed house roared the home side on to what seemed an important psychological victory. Pep Guardiola had opted to make nine changes to his XI and the holders crashed out, leaving the path to Wembley a little clearer already.

Next up in the cup were West Ham United, who returned to the Theatre of Dreams just a few days after securing a battling 1-1 draw there in the Premier League. Buoyed by that result, Slaven Bilic's men had designs on adding the Reds to the scalp of Chelsea they had achieved in the previous round. Although ex-Reds striker Ashley Fletcher levelled the score for half-time, the Hammers were this time swept aside 4-1 with a swashbuckling display which demonstrated, if any further evidence was required, that United meant business in the competition.

Four Premier League sides contested the semi-finals and many bookmakers reckoned a United-Liverpool final was on the cards when the superpowers avoided each other in the draw. Mourinho's men focused on the job in hand and won 2-0 against Hull City at Old Trafford before succumbing to a rare loss in the second leg, even if the 2-1 reverse was enough to seal a 3-2 aggregate success.

Liverpool, however, were beaten 1-0 in both legs by the Saints and now have no Wembley trips or, barring a huge swing in the title race, any trophy to compete for this season. In contrast, United followers will relish another journey south to the national stadium and the opportunity to slug it out for more silverware. 

It is what Mourinho promised on his arrival - he would get the club challenging for honours and build a team with the right mindset to achieve this goal. The Reds remain in the Emirates FA Cup and Europa League and momentum continues to build, with confidence growing all the time.

Fans old enough to remember the 1976 FA Cup final defeat to the Saints, courtesy of a suspiciously offside-looking goal by the late Bobby Stokes, will refuse to take anything for granted but the stage is set and the chance for another memorable day out at Wembley beckons. 

In an age where some followers remarkably seem to actively decry rival clubs going out of competitions because it reduces fixture congestion, we should live in the now. It seems pointless in attempting to overthink a bigger picture or, as supporters often tend to do, keep looking forward to the future and the imponderables of what might happen. 

United have treated the competition with the respect it deserves and are in the EFL Cup final. Consequently, today can be a wonderful day for everybody associated with the club and it is an occasion to fully embrace.

The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United.

Credit: Manutd.com

Rojo Seeking Silverware Boost

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo believes victory in the EFL Cup final will provide the club with even more confidence to finish the season strongly, but the Argentina international insists fellow finalists Southampton must not be underestimated.

The Reds are in a rich vein of form heading into Sunday’s encounter, with just one defeat in all competitions in 2017 and places in the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals and the Europa League Round of 16 secured, and spirits are understandably soaring.

Speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com about the good feeling in the dressing room, Rojo said: "Confidence is really high at the moment. Of course it’s important for the club to win a trophy, but almost as important is the boost in confidence it will give us for the rest of the season. 

"Winning this cup would be a huge fillip for us from now for the rest of the campaign. We’re close to the places at the top of the league and we have to keep up this level of performance."

The 26-year-old added: "It’s the first step in gaining more confidence and continuing our growth as a team. The EFL Cup is there to be won, and that's what we have to do, and then keep progressing in the other competitions."

While United overcame a valiant Hull City side in the semi-finals, Southampton saw off Liverpool - the fourth Premier League side the Saints have faced in this season’s tournament.

Even more remarkable is that Claude Puel’s team have yet to concede a goal during their run to Sunday’s final, and Rojo insisted he and his team-mates must be fully focused as the Reds bid to break that run and lift a fifth League Cup.

"It’s going to be tough for us. Any opponent you play in a cup final is going to make life hard for you," said the defender, who has featured in all but one of United’s games en route to the final.

"Southampton are worthy finalists who deserve to play in this game. They will be a very difficult opponent and we should, in no way, underestimate them at all.

"They will feel like we are the favourites, and they have nothing to lose. As a result, they’ll be going into the game a lot more relaxed than us and without quite so much pressure on them. But we need to go out onto the field in a really focused way, full of intent, like in any game, and try to do the best we can to win the cup."

Mourinho: Wembley Is An Amazing Stadium

Jose Mourinho has described Wembley as an "amazing stadium" as he prepares to lead out his Manchester United team in today's EFL Cup final against Southampton.

The Reds will be aiming to lift the League Cup for the fifth time, while victory over the Saints would be Mourinho’s fourth success in the competition and make him the first United manager to win a major trophy in his debut season at Old Trafford.

The boss has already overseen one United match at England's national stadium - August's Community Shield victory against Leicester City - and it's a venue he has always enjoyed visiting, whether as a coach or spectator. 

"It's fantastic," he told journalists on Friday. "I was at the old Wembley as Mr van Gaal's assistant in a Champions League match, Arsenal v Barcelona, and it was magnificent. The feeling was magnificent.
"Then I went back for Euro '96 and I watched Gazza [Paul Gascoigne] score against Scotland [for England]. Amazing.

"I managed to go to the first FA Cup final at the new Wembley [a 1-0 win for Chelsea over United]. And I always like to be back, even for Community Shields. It's an amazing stadium to play in."

Mourinho believes winning Sunday’s final could be crucial for his players' mentality as his squad continue to compete on three other fronts, including the FA Cup won so memorably last May.

"I think when you have the taste of good things, you want to repeat," the manager said. "When you get used to winning, you miss it when you don't win. You don't accept it, you are always chasing for more success, so I think it's a good thing for the players if we manage to win another trophy and keep fighting for more, because we have chances in other competitions this season.

"We all know the history of this club, we all know football is changing, we all know it's much more difficult than it was before, but last season, a very difficult season for the club and for the players, all together with their manager they managed to win a trophy. It was a good taste for them, so we have to try."

Wayne Rooney ended speculation linking him with a move away from Old Trafford this week and Mourinho confirmed the striker would be involved at Wembley. However, the manager wouldn't be drawn on whether his club captain will lift the trophy, should United win.

"I don't know. I don't care," he said. "If we win, I don't care who lifts the cup. I don't care, I just want to win the match.

"He's our captain, playing or being on the bench. Being on the bench and coming on, or starting and leaving the pitch, I think he's always our captain. So I don't care [who lifts the cup], I don't think he cares, I don't think anyone cares. We just want to win."

Mourinho: EFL Cup Final Q & A

Jose Mourinho goes to Wembley on Sunday seeking to win the EFL Cup for the fourth time in his distinguished career.

He's keen to point out that it wouldn't be the first trophy of his Manchester United tenure - he insists the Community Shield should count - and he says victory over Southampton would be more important for the club than for himself, but he says his motivation is strong.

In an exclusive sit-down interview with Sky Sports, he also explains why Zlatan Ibrahimovic can play until he's 40, why he already knows his summer transfer targets and why Claudio Ranieri's departure from Leicester was 'bigger' than his Chelsea exit last season.

Read on for the thoughts of Mourinho ahead of one of the biggest games of the season…

The League Cup is a competition you've always targeted. When you won it with Chelsea it gave the club and team a real bounce. Are you confident that if you win it with United it will do a similar thing for your team?

JM: When we won with Chelsea we were in a fantastic position to win the Premier league, so I can say that the Carling Cup final gave us the last push of confidence to go and win the Premier League. This time is different. Our position in the Premier League doesn't give us real options to win the Premier League this season, but we have a lot to play for. We have the top four, we have Europa League, we have FA Cup, a lot to play for. I would lie if I say a victory now wouldn't push us for more, but at the same time we have to think of events separately.

This is just a final. On Monday and Tuesday we are off and on Wednesday it doesn't matter what, we have to be ready to work and be ready to prepare for Bournemouth which is our next match in the Premier League.

How important is it for you to win your first trophy as Manchester United manager?

JM: Second! The Community Shield is a little one. It is a trophy that belongs also to Mr Van Gaal because he won the FA Cup and allowed us to play in the Community Shield, but it is something. It is a little cup, but it is something.

It would be important. It would be more important for the club than for me. In this moment of my career I'm not selfish, I'm not looking to me too much. For the club I think it's good. A difficult period when we don't win the Premier League or a European competition for a few years. It would be good for the boys' experience, especially the ones that didn't belong to the winning period like Carrick, Valencia, Rooney or Young. It would be important. It would be nice.

You're 40+ matches into your reign. Where do you think you are in terms of this evolution of the club?

JM: I think with this group of players, the squad we have and the difficulties we are having during the season, I think we are more than fine. I think we will be ready in July to open the door for two or three good players to help us to improve our level. You reach a certain level of stability, you find your way to play, your philosophy and this is very important. We are stable in the way the team plays and we need one more push.

The next push is the next transfer window. We didn't use it in the winter and we are obviously going to use it in the summer and trust the players we have. Like Mr Woodward was saying, we will keep a huge percentage of the players we have at this moment in the squad. We need the next push.

Have you earmarked the players already who you want?

JM: Yes.
And are you keen to get it done quickly like you did at Chelsea?

JM: If possible, it is better. If you can start the pre-season with your squad it is obviously better. I always say that the market closes on August 31 when you are already playing matches, so it is not the best moment to do it. But sometimes deals are so difficult to do that sometimes the people responsible need one more day, one more week and it goes until the end.

If you get those players do you feel you will be the real deal next year at home and abroad?

JM: No, I think it is the next step. Is the next step enough to win titles? Probably, we can win this season without that transfer window but I think it is a good opportunity for the next step.

I want to speak about Zlatan. He has scored more goals in league and cup than anyone in the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two. You had him at Inter aged 26 or 27, which is arguably a peak age for a striker. How different is he now he is 35?

JM: He is better. He is more collected, he is more intelligent, he understands the game even better. He is not just a finisher, he is also somebody that is important in the creation. He leads, he has a special feeling with the younger guys. I think he is better now.

Could he do a Totti and still be playing at 40?

JM: I think he could. By the physical point of view of course he could. But I don't think it is the physical point of view, it is the mental point of view. He will make the decision like Zanetti, Maldini and like Totti will do one day. He will make the decision and I think the world of football has to accept the decision because what he is doing is phenomenal. One day he will wake up and decide enough is enough.

What have you worked on in terms of the tactics this week that Southampton bring to the table?

JM: They have had 15 days to work, thinking only about us. They don't think about any other opponent, just about this game. Two weeks is like a pre-season so for sure - Claude is a good coach and works well and hard - they were working on us. Can they try to make something new because they had 15 days to work? Maybe. I am trying also to go in that direction. What can they do by surprise?

But I also analyse what is not a surprise which is the way they have been playing during the season. I go to the things they did and the things they never did and who knows what they can do? We work hard to be prepared as a manager and in the days after St Etienne we need to recover from a physical point of view, but also we can work with low intensity and work tactically to try to give the players the best solutions. When the game starts, for me and Claude our work will be reduced to the minimum and then it is up to the guys.

You've drawn Rostov in the Europa League. What are your thoughts on that?

JM: Very bad. It is a long flight, a very difficult team. They did amazingly well in the Champions League. They beat Anderlecht and Ajax in the play-offs, beat Bayern Munich, drew with Atletico Madrid, beat PSV Eindhoven. They are a very defensive team, five at the back, it is going to be hard. I am happy the second leg is at home because we have the chance to decide it at Old Trafford. I am also happy that after Chelsea we don't have to go to Rostov. It is a difficult period and opponent for us, but we are in the last 16. We will have the right motivation when the moment arrives.

Finally, what was your reaction when you heard the Claudio Ranieri news and what will he be feeling?

JM: My reaction is that anything can happen in football. Last season I thought my sacking at Chelsea was a big thing. I realised last night that was such a small thing compared with Claudio. I am disappointed and sad, yes, but surprised? In modern football there are no more surprises.

The club statement is to laugh. The club statement is to throw sand in the eyes of the people. If it's true that some players had an influence on that I think they should be really ashamed.

Credit: Skysports.com

Rooney Exit Likely In Summer

The Sunday Supplement panel expect Wayne Rooney to leave Manchester United in the summer, but say he made the right decision to stay this week.

Rumours were rife on Thursday that the England captain could be on his way to China ahead of their transfer deadline day on February 28 after his agent flew to the country for reported talks with interested clubs.

But Rooney soon put an end to any speculation, releasing a statement saying he would be staying with the Premier League side, with manager Jose Mourinho also hinting the striker would be involved during Sunday's EFL Cup final against Southampton live on Sky Sports.

However, the Sunday Supplement panel say they do not expect him to still be with the club in the summer, with The Times' chief football correspondent Oliver Kay adding that Rooney has concluded that he needs a change of scenery.

"I know there's been interest and enquiries from Chinese clubs over the last 12 months to Rooney and to Rooney's people," he told the Sky Sports show.

"I don't think it would make sense for Rooney at this point to go to China. We've seen players do it, we know the money is fantastic and we know he's on fantastic money at United. He's just broken the club's goal scoring record and this season he could end up with three medals, perhaps lifting three trophies.

"I don't think he'll be at United next season. All the whispers suggest that he's come to the conclusion that he needs a change of scenery.

"Between now and the end of the season he's got a great opportunity to achieve something more at United. The last three or four years probably haven't been very satisfying for him and he's got the opportunity to go out on a high and then look at it in the summer.

"He will have to think if he wants to go to China, America, Europe or perhaps even somewhere else in the Premier League but that's unlikely."

The Telegraph's Northern football correspondent James Ducker echoed the feelings of Kay, and believes Rooney does not want to play a bit-part player at United to end his career.

"I don't think he ever envisaged leaving in mid-season and suddenly he's presented with a scenario whereby he's not just on the periphery, he's so far down the pecking order now," he said.

"He's made it very clear privately that he's not interested in hanging around on the bench and coming on for 20 minutes in Europa League games or 10 minutes in the EFL Cup. He does want to play but if you look at the United side now it's very hard to see a place for him as a regular.

"He's made the right move. There's a lot of debate as to whether there was a firm contract offer to move this month but there's a prospect of another three trophies and a top-four finish.

"Seeing out the season was a smart move and then he can consider his options in the summer. I do expect him to leave in the summer."

Credit: Skysports.com