Premier League notebook: The love affair at Man U
Landing both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba has been well-documented since the two joined forces at Manchester United this season, but what has been sparsely reported is the burgeoning bromance between these two.
On a team in which one would think their star quality would clash with each other, the pair has joined forces both on and off the field to become a tandem helping return the dominance United reigned down on world soccer back to Old Trafford — something that was truly lacking after the loss of longtime manager Sir Alex Ferguson three seasons ago.
It’s been Zlatan bagging the goals, already with three this season in just two matches, but when Pogba made his debut in a 2-0 United win over Southampton last week, the beauty of these two on the field at the same time was truly must-watch TV.
The love affair was evident post-match too, when the pair was interviewed by the media. Fast-forward to 1:20 of the below clip, and just listen to the bro-like taunting masking sheer admiration:
It’s like watching the Disney Channel, if the Disney Channel did post-game sporting interviews. Cute.
So what does all this equate to? As mentioned, many figure a return to prominence for United and another must-watch affair Saturday when Hull City comes calling (12:30 p.m.), a team definitely out to burst United’s bubble. Hull enters the match on a two-game win streak, the first team up from relegation to do so since Bolton in the 2010-11 season. Think of Hull City very much as this year’s Leicester, the early favorites to do the impossible.
However, oddsmakers have this one all United despite the trip to Hull, and with these two presumably set to start it could very well be the Tigers that see their bubble popped.
In other footballing news…
Titans take the early game
Save the popcorn, but get your coffee ready for the early game when Tottenham hosts Liverpool (7:30 a.m.). Matchday 3 kicks off right as these two are both out to remain in contention for a top four finish. To do so, however, Tottenham will need to rely on backup goalie Michel Vorm, as starting goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris remains out with a hamstring injury.
Also, the Spurs will be looking to crack a seven-game winless streak against the Reds dating back to 2014. Liverpool will look to rebound after a loss to Burnley, making this one “especially tough,” according to Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Is Chelsea for real?
OK, it's probably too early to be asking that question this soon in the season, but it's fair. Despite holding down the fourth best spot in the EPL right now, the goals have been scarce for manager Antonio Conte’s side with just two on the campaign coming from forward Diego Costa. The Blues have the ballers, though, with Pedro and Fabregas at Conte’s disposal.
It’ll be interesting to see if he returns to the same lineup that brought success so far this season, as Burnley (10 a.m.) isn’t exactly a side that poses a severe threat to Chelsea earning points in Matchday 3.
Other matches to check out…
Check out the full slate of matches for both Saturday and Sunday. The other matches to keep an eye on? Everton hosts Stoke (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET), Leicester will take on Swansea, same time, and on Sunday, Manchester City hosts West Ham (11 a.m. ET). City manager Pep Guardiola noted that his side has no injuries from training midweek, which should make this a fun affair at the expense of the Hammers.
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