Ibrahimović inspires United to League Cup win
Sunday, February 26, 2017
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"This is what I came for," said Zlatan Ibrahimović after scoring twice, including a dramatic late winner, as Manchester United edged Southampton 3-2 to claim the English League Cup.
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Zlatan Ibrahimović headed in a late winner for his second goal of the day as Manchester United edged Southampton 3-2 to lift the English League Cup at Wembley.
Through to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League, United secured their first major silverware of the season in dramatic circumstances. Ibrahimović got the favourites off the mark with an excellent free-kick and Jesse Lingard doubled their advantage on 38 minutes – but any notion that this would be a straightforward win was quickly erased.
Manolo Gabbiadini led the resistance as an impressive Southampton side made a nuisance of themselves. The Italian forward struck on the cusp of half-time and levelled quickly after the restart to set up a tense contest, only for Ibrahimović to nod in Ander Herrera's cross with three minutes remaining.
The 35-year-old's 20th goal in his last 22 games in all competitions secured United their first major trophy under José Mourinho – and they will be eager for more as they look ahead to facing Rostov in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 on 9 and 16 March. The Red Devils are likewise through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
"This is what I came for – to win, and I am winning," said Ibrahimović afterwards. "The more I win, the more satisfied I get. You appreciate it more the older you get. Wherever I have gone I have won. This is what I predicted. To many, I could not do it. My friend, I keep doing it."