Ibrahimovic double in United triumph

After a stirring Saints fightback revived memories of their shock 1976 FA Cup final victory over United and with extra time looming, the 35-year-old Ibrahimovic pounced to head Ander Herrera’s cross past goalkeeper Fraser Forster. 

His 26th goal of the season in all competitions followed a sublime first-half free kick that gave United the lead and enabled manager Jose Mourinho to claim his first silverware since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer.

Mourinho’s fourth League Cup triumph, three of which came during his two spells with Chelsea, put him alongside former United manager Alex Ferguson and Nottingham Forest great Brian Clough as the most successful managers in the competition. 

United had taken a rather fortunate 2-0 lead with Ibrahimovic’s 19th-minute strike and Jesse Lingard’s clinical finish but Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini’s brace either side of halftime breathed life into the showpiece match. 

Both sides could have snatched victory but in the end it was the irrepressible Ibrahimovic who stole the limelight. 

“This is a team effort. This is what I came for -- to win and I am winning. The more I win the more satisfied I get,” he said.