Former Manchester United defender turn football Pundit Rio Ferdinand hailed the performances of England skipper Wayne Rooney and Red Devils’ summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic after their impressive display in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth in the first game of the Premier League under Jose Mourinho.

He took to popular online platform Twitter to declare his praise for the players after the game. He had earlier named Manchester United and Manchester City as his top two clubs set to lift the English Premier League come May, so it didn’t come as a surprise. United scored their first goal in the 40th minute when Juan Mata latched onto a poor passs from a Bournemouth defender to the goal keeper. He scored the close range effort after moving past the goal keeper.

With just 14 minutes into the second half, Rooney headed home a goal after an Anthony Martial flick didn’t go as planned. Rooney did well to control the ball and head it down for the second. Ibrahimovic showed his superb quality when he fired his second successive goal for United with an effort from distance. The shot passed through the legs of the defender and past the Atur Boruc, the opposition’s shot stopper.

Ferdinand is one of those backing Ibrahimovic to shun his critics, impress and stay beyond a season at Old Trafford. Also, Ferdinand shammed Rooney’s critics after they suggested that the captain would find it difficult to command a starting shirt, especially following the pre season friendly games.

Ferdinand tweeted through his confirmed personal handle: @rioferdy5. He posted: “yes @waynerooney….still auditioning i see!!! Hahahaha.” On the Swedish international, Ferdinand posted: “A PL debut goal for @ibra_official is what was needed for @manutd,” and added “can @ibra_official do it on a cold & wet night in Burnley though!??” adding laughter emoticons. United will face Southampton on Friday at home in their second game of the season.