Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his arrival in English football with an 83rd-minute winner as Manchester United edged Leicester City 2-1 at Wembley on Sunday to win the Community Shield.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker had a quiet game, but he outjumped Wes Morgan to head home Antonio Valencia’s cross and earn Jose Mourinho his first piece of silverware as United manager.
Leicester talisman Jamie Vardy had earlier punished an error by Marouane Fellaini to cancel out FA Cup match-winner Jesse Lingard’s first-half solo goal for United, who claimed a record-extending 21st Community Shield.
“It’s an important victory, but we have lots of work to do,” Mourinho told BT Sport.
“I would be not ambitious if I said it was a fantastic performance. It wasn’t. It’s always important to start with a trophy.”
Mourinho dedicated the win to his predecessor Louis van Gaal, who was sacked after leading United to the FA Cup.
United, who have confirmed they are close to re-signing former player Paul Pogba from Juventus, open their Premier League campaign at Bournemouth next Sunday.
“It feels good,” said Ibrahimovic after the traditional curtain-raiser to the English season.
“The first official game, we play for a trophy and we win. Something big is going on with our team.”
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri handed official debuts to close-season signings Ahmed Musa, Luis Hernandez and Nampalys Mendy.
While his side came up short, he was encouraged by the brightness of their display, three months on from their 5 000-1 Premier League triumph.
“I’m very pleased with our performance,” said Ranieri. “I watched the same team as last season. Only the result is against us.”
Leicester launch their league title defence at Hull City on Saturday.
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