Man Utd win Premier League opener

Goals: Pogba 3', Shaw 83' - Vardy 90'+2

After a summer of transfer drama, Mourinho and his players had a smooth start at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach's complaints and worries about a difficult season ahead disappeared, replaced by a relaxed atmosphere thanks to the victory over Leicester.

Pogba has been the most talked about player at Man Utd in recent days as reports have continued to suggest that the French midfielder wants to join Barca. However, whether or not he has a falling out with coach Mourinho, Pogba has marked his return to the red shirt with a strong push. The new World Cup winner was given the captain's armband by Mourinho, and it took just over two minutes for the team to score their first goal of the new season.

Before many fans had even warmed up, Man Utd opened the scoring. Alexis Sanchez's shot hit Wes Morgan and the ball bounced off Daniel Amartey's arm. The referee blew the whistle for a penalty. Pogba did not miss the chance to put Man Utd ahead with a powerful shot into the top corner.

The early opener seemed to give Man Utd the upper hand, but they were unexpectedly forced to defend against Leicester's attack. The home team needed goalkeeper De Gea to be excellent to avoid an equaliser in the first half, especially when he flew to block James Maddison's close-range shot.

Man Utd improved their play in the second half and created many dangerous chances. Among them was Juan Mata's low shot that went wide of the post and Lukaku's regrettable miss when facing goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. On Leicester's side, the away team made the Old Trafford fans' hearts skip a beat with Demarai Gray's diving header, but De Gea still won.

Coach Mourinho and the home fans could only rejoice and feel relieved after Luke Shaw scored to increase the gap to two goals. In the 83rd minute, the English left-back volleyed dangerously from a narrow angle, sending the ball past Schmeichel. This was also Luke Shaw's first goal since becoming a professional player.

Leicester's efforts only helped them reduce the score to 1-2 in the extra time, with substitute striker Jamie Vardy scoring easily after receiving the ball bounced off Ricardo Pereira's cross and hitting the post from the right wing.

Coach Mourinho had many surprise choices in the starting lineup such as center back Victor Lindelof, or young midfielder Andres Pereira, but letting Pogba start was something no one expected. Pogba had just trained with Man Utd four days ago and missed all the summer friendlies. Pogba's appearance with the captain's armband was like Mourinho's statement about the French midfielder's future, after the information about wanting to move to Barca.

Pogba gave Man Utd an impressive start, taking the lead in the third minute. But for the rest of the match, Man Utd fans probably expected more than they got. The attack with striker Rashford looked lost, while Alexis Sanchez rarely had success with individual plays. The defense also did not prove solid, with De Gea still having to play the hero.

The bright spot for Man Utd is the three-man midfield consisting of Pogba, new signing Fred and the player recalled from his loan at Valencia, Pereira. Pogba has maintained his good form since the World Cup, playing the role of leader thanks to his ability to move widely. Fred's flexibility helps Man Utd control the rhythm better. Pereira also shows good ability to get into rhythm, but this young midfielder still has to improve further to help Man Utd's midfield play rhythmically in attack and defense.

Lukaku's introduction for Rashford at the start of the second half was essential for Man Utd. The Belgian striker has not been in the best shape after the post-World Cup break, but his appearance gives Man Utd a reliable destination for attacks, creating a smooth flow in the game.

Defeat to Man Utd means Leicester have not won away from home in their opening league game since beating Aston Villa in 1933. They have also won just once in their last ten opening league games.