Bournemouth 1 Manchester United 3
Bournemouth: Adam Smith (69’) | United: Juan Mata (40’) Wayne Rooney (59’) Zlatan Ibrahimovic (64’)
Man of the Match: Eric Bailly (Manchester United)
The real statement of intent came in the transfer market, not on the pitch. Manchester United were not as emphatic or as entertaining as the scoreline suggests, but the pragmatist in Jose Mourinho will not mind. He has always found validation in results and a clinical 3-1 win at Bournemouth meant a new era began with a win.
The suspended record holder Paul Pogba was not missed. The spotlight could shine on others. The outcome offered the impression that star they did as Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored. The reality is more complexed. There are few signs Rooney and Ibrahimovic are a perfect partnership, but at least they were twinned on the scoresheet.
• More: Premier League Week 1 scores, round-up
The captain is seeking to re-establish himself as a forward, the newcomer to make a mark at a new club. Each received a fillip in the form of a goal, Rooney’s 246th in United colours and Ibrahimovic’s second in competitive action.
The Swede scored on his friendly debut in the Community Shield, and now on his Premier League bow. One who does not suffer from shyness knows how to make an entrance. A skimming drive nestled in the Bournemouth net.
It was United’s crispest, cleanest strike. The first two goals each owed something to a mis-hit, from Bournemouth’s Simon Francis and United’s Anthony Martial respectively. With predatory awareness, Rooney latched on to the Frenchman’s miscued volley to head home, edging closer to Sir Bobby Charlton’s United record of 249 goals and perhaps postponing a personal day of reckoning.
Rooney spurned one chance, when Ibrahimovic was his supplier, and dived in vain in a failed attempt to win a penalty. Until he struck, it was threatening to be an afternoon to prompt suggestions Mourinho should soon omit him.
• More: Richard Jolly on Maarten Stekelenburg's big debut
Mata can confirm the United manager has no qualms about sacrificing supposed stars. Their time at Chelsea offered clues. So, too, the Community Shield. Yet after his humiliation came the rehabilitation. The substitute who was substituted became the starter who scored.
It was easy to envisage history repeating itself and Mourinho selling Mata again, harder to imagine the Spaniard scoring the first league goal of the Portuguese’s reign. Promoted to the starting line-up, he struck in uncharacteristic fashion.
Perhaps it was an indication Mata is adapting to Mourinho’s methods. He is neither a byword for closing opponents down nor for running behind their defences. He did both as he provoked and capitalised upon Francis’ under-hit back pass. This was pressing, Mata style.
His lack of pace and his strolling demeanour can count against him and it is rare to find a forward line where Mata is one of the more dynamic members. But Rooney and Ibrahimovic offer little speed in attack and he showed the intelligence to recognise that hard running was required. It was a sign that, if he fails to make the grade this season, it will not be for a lack of effort.
Yet his selection showed that Mourinho has an enduring ability to confound. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the reigning Footballer of the Year in Germany, has been omitted for first Jesse Lingard and now Mata on successive Sundays. The Armenian came on for Mata again.
This time, however, substituting the Spaniard was not remotely controversial.
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A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
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Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Background: Chemical Weapons
How do Sim card scams work?
Sim swap frauds are a form of identity theft.
They involve criminals conning mobile phone operators into issuing them with replacement Sim cards by claiming to be the victim, often pretending their phone has been lost or stolen in order to secure a new Sim.
They use the victim's personal details - obtained through criminal methods - to convince such companies of their identity.
The criminal can then access any online service that requires security codes to be sent to a user's mobile phone, such as banking services.
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
HAJJAN
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
World Test Championship table
1 India 71 per cent
2 New Zealand 70 per cent
3 Australia 69.2 per cent
4 England 64.1 per cent
5 Pakistan 43.3 per cent
6 West Indies 33.3 per cent
7 South Africa 30 per cent
8 Sri Lanka 16.7 per cent
9 Bangladesh 0
