BRUNO Fernandes and Paul Pogba were the headline acts on Saturday as Manchester United spanked Leeds United 5-1 at a packed Old Trafford in their opening match of the Premier League season.
The Portugal midfielder scored three of Manchester United’s goals while the France midfielder provided four assists, the first time a player from the club has ever had so many assists in a single league match.
Just before kick-off, Manchester United’s new signing Raphael Varane was officially unveiled and introduced to the over 70,000 fans at Old Trafford.
Varane, who cost around £43 million from Real Madrid, was served a fare of vibrant attacking football by both sides.
Manchester United took the lead in the 30th minute as Fernandes finished off Pogba’s brilliant pass with a left-footed strike.
The first half ended 1-0 despite the positive football on display but the second half exploded with goals.
Just three minutes after the break, Leeds were level, Luke Ayling unleashing an unstoppable shot past David De Gea after being allowed room to strike.
Manchester United were quick to restore their lead, however, Mason Greenwood netting on the counterattack in the 52nd minute, set up by Pogba.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side extended their lead two minutes later through Fernandes, and the Portuguese star completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute, once again from a Pogba assist.
Fred rounded off the scoring in the 68th minute, latching on to Pogba’s low cross from the left.
Varane, who was watching in the stands, said he was pleased to sign for Manchester United after winning four UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and the World Cup with France.
“Manchester United is one of the most iconic clubs in world football and the chance to come here and play in the Premier League is something I couldn’t turn down,” he told the club’s website.
“There is a lot more that I want to achieve in my career and I know I’m joining a squad full of great players who will all have the same determination to win matches and trophies.
“Having spoken to the manager I can see how much progress has been made over the last few seasons and I now join a group ready to play at the highest level.
“I want to make an impact here and I will give everything to become part of this club’s illustrious history.”
