Zlatan Ibrahimovic Wins Manchester United The EFL Cup

Manchester United claimed the EFL Cup in a final of rare drama and despite being well below their best were driven to victory by the desire and the goals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The match was as closely fought as the 3-2 scoreline suggests, with Southampton superb and by far the better side for long periods, but what the scoreline will never show is how evergreen Ibrahimovic inspired his team when so many of them were flagging. This victory could serve as a great catalyst for the rest of their season and perhaps beyond.

Ibrahimovic was arguably his team’s best player at both ends, heading clear when needed and stepping up with a fine free kick and header. Ander Herrera put in a typically combative display and Anthony Martial offered a real threat at times.

The defence had one of its least distinguished days in recent months, with all four struggling. Juan Mata failed to get into the game and Paul Pogba saw it pass him by at times.

7 — Jose Mourinho claimed his fourth League Cup and his first trophy for the club, and eventually his selection paid off. It didn’t always look that way, though, with Marcos Rojo picked ahead of Daley Blind and looking overmatched for most of the game. But Mourinho’s switch of Michael Carrick for Mata at half-time gave his team just enough presence in midfield to prevail.

GK David De Gea, 7 — Made two very good low saves in the first half and a fine one in the second. Was left exposed often by his defence, but he was sound.

DF Antonio Valencia, 6 — Had one of his least comfortable afternoons in a United shirt. His work rate was high as ever, but he was often out-thought by Southampton’s clever passes and runs. Got forward with his usual ambition.

DF Chris Smalling, 5 — Was frequently caught ball-watching and slow to step out to the emerging danger as Southampton built quick, intricate attacks.

DF Eric Bailly, 5 — Produced some good, prompt passing, but lost his man for Southampton’s first goal and was caught out of position higher up the pitch, at one point making the kind of rash challenge that led to his dismissal against St Etienne in the Europa League.

DF Marcos Rojo, 4 — Was played out of position, given his fine form at centre-back this season, and it showed. Was too often caught out on the flanks, beaten for both speed and muscle, and it was no surprise the first goal came down his flank.

MF Ander Herrera, 9 — Put in a mighty defensive effort in the first half and a strong attacking shift in the second. He had the competitive edge that United needed as Southampton threatened to run riot through the middle and laid on the winner with a precisely measured cross.

MF Paul Pogba, 5 — Started the game well with some sharp passing and movement, but lost much of his early intensity and put in a ponderous defensive effort. Was better at the very end, as he pushed higher up the pitch.

MF Juan Mata, 5 — Was withdrawn at half-time after failing to get on the ball in dangerous areas in the final third. His link-up play lacked the verve and creativity of recent weeks.

MF Jesse Lingard, 7 — Was again a man for the big occasion. Having scored for United at Wembley in the FA Cup final and the Community Shield, he netted here with a wonderfully composed finish. His movement was clever and tireless throughout.

MF Anthony Martial, 7 — Was a notch below his best, though his speed and skill offered United a vital outlet and he looked one of the game’s most dangerous players. Could have been less deferential when in shooting positions, though.

FW Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 10 — It is hard to give the Swede anything other than a perfect rating. While his teammates struggled, he seemed to have — at the age of 35 — more energy than most, opening the scoring with a beautiful free kick and then dragging his team to victory once they had lost a two-goal lead. He was even found holding the ball up in midfield in the game’s closing stages, having only a few minutes earlier started and finished the move that led to the game’s winning goal. The comparisons with Eric Cantona no longer look remotely fanciful.

Substitutes

MF Michael Carrick, 7 — Had a hard time against the brilliant Nathan Redmond, but his composure ultimately made the difference in a congested midfield.

MF Marcus Rashford, N/A — Was vital against Southampton’s tiring legs with his bright, purposeful running.

MF Marouane Fellaini, N/A — Came on to shore up the defence against the aerial threat, but arrived too late to make an intervention.