The Jose Mourinho era at Manchester United began with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wigan, with goals from Will Keane and Andreas Pereira settling a low-key pre-season friendly.
Missing his Euro 2016 contingent, Mourinho still used 22 players on his touchline debut with the Red Devils and will be content with what, in truth, was little more than a glorified training exercise.
United controlled a goalless first half before goalkeeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen, saw his kick charged down by Juan Mata in the 48th minute and Keane nabbed the first goal of Mourinho’s reign.
Pereira found the top corner nine minutes later to secure the result, though Mourinho will surely have been more interested in bright showings from new arrivals Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly and England left-back Luke Shaw’s first appearance in 10 months following a double leg fracture.
The DW Stadium was far from full for the Special One’s bow but a sizeable contingent of United fans had made the short journey, joined by the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
“I’m very happy, the result is obviously not the most important thing but it is always important,” an elated Mourinho told MUTV after the game.
“I’m happy with things we tried in training, some principles of our play offensively and defensively, and I could see them there.
“It takes time, but I could see different things. We started thinking about football the way I think and that pleased me.
“Everybody played and had a positive performance so I’m happy, and best of all I never saw something like this, that so many supporters give their permanent support to the team and this is fantastic.
“So if this is like this in a friendly match, what I said in my presentation, if they wait for something from me I will try to give them everything and I’m sure they will give amazing support to the team.”
