Manchester United picked up their first major honour under the management of Jose Mourinho at the weekend when they beat Southampton 3-2 in the EFL Cup final.
The Red Devils owe a lot to their imperious talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic who was streets ahead of the rest of his teammates on the day, with Southampton hard done by to lose.
However, that is the sole reason behind bringing the likes of Mourinho and the Swedish hitman to a club, their ruthless streak and ability to win even when they don’t necessarily deserve to.
United were second best at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, there is no arguing that, however, Ibrahimovic bagged two of his three shots on target on the day, something which for all the good play and chances created, the Saints could not manage, even with Manolo Gabbiadini in the form he is showing.
Former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss, Mourinho, admitted after the game that the final should have, at least, gone to extra time given the “beautiful” performance of Claude Puel’s side, but regardless of how his side played on the day, Mourinho is an expert in success.
Sunday marked the Portuguese’s eighth major trophy in English football, and his first since landing the job he has been chasing since rocking up in the Premier League.
What is also signifies is the start of a regeneration, if you like, at Old Trafford. In adding personalities such as Mourinho which, in turn, attracts the likes of Ibrahimovic, the club are slowly but surely returning to the behemoth they were under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United is the biggest name in club football, and they need to start acting like it once again. Mourinho’s business in the summer showed signs of the club beginning to throw their weight around again, now they must go on an get a return in the form of silverware.
While, for this season at least, the title race is now realistically beyond them, United are still going on all cup fronts and, having got the first in the bag at the weekend, could be on for a cup treble.
It is, of course, not the treble which all fans dream of, the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League, but it is that challenge Mourinho was presented with when taking the job and he is excelling thus far.
The League Cup and Europa League may not be the biggest trophies going but the former Inter Milan boss knows full-well the value that winning them will have on his squad.
Not only does going all the way in the cups prepare a side for having to navigate packed fixture schedules for long periods of the season, but the winning mentality and solidarity which is imparted on a squad of players when winning trophy after trophy together is not something a manager can add, and is invaluable.
Therefore, regardless of whether or not Ibrahimovic stays past this season, the job which that success driven pair will do for Manchester United in just one season could benefit the club for years to come.