Jose Mourinho says he is restoring Man Utd’s traditions of ‘beautiful football’

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Manchester United were “amazing” in the 4-1 win against West Ham United in the EFL Cup quarter-final.

The 32-year-old was an unused substitute for Sunday’s Premier League draw against the Hammers, his first appearance in a matchday squad since Jose Mourinho took over as manager in the summer.

That could have proved a costly miss because for all United’s first-half dominance, they were pegged back 10 minutes before the break by one of their former players.

“I’m very disappointed, they deserved it”, said Bilic afterwards. Playing handsome attacking football – that is something the fans like – but we need results.

“We felt that it would be a good opportunity for him to play a little bit”. And he told MUTV afterwards he was pleased with his contribution to a fine overall display from the team to set up a two-legged semi-final against fellow Premier League side Hull City. “We have been waiting for his adaptation and it looks like it’s coming”.

The Red Devils have drawn their last two games against Arsenal and West Ham, leaving the 20-time English champions eight points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal.

“West Ham were allowed back into the game by Manchester United”.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic shines in the EFL Cup tie against West Ham.

This time Ander Herrera combined with Ibrahimovic, whose ideal throughball found Valencia and when the Ecuadorian defender crossed low into the six-yard box, the unmarked Martial found himself with the simplest of tap-ins.

Ibrahimovic doubled his tally in the 93rd minute, slotting in Ander Herrera’s low cross from the left. He will now have to wait at least another week for a chance to reach the landmark after a booking landed him with a suspension for Sunday’s clash at his former club Everton.

In the other quarterfinal on Wednesday, Southampton beat a largely second-string Arsenal team 2-0 thanks to first-half goals by Jordy Clasie and Ryan Bertrand at Emirates Stadium.

The tall Swedish striker opened fire early in the match with a well-placed strike just after two minutes of play. “But we need results”.

“We played a very good game and to qualify for the next round is very important”.

“When you play a semi-final, it’s win or lose. I’m really happy with the players”.