Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns just in time
He’s too old, they said.
He will fail to adapt to the high pace of the Premier League, they also said.
But they were wrong.
United’s Best
He might be a 35-year-old striker, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned out to be the best Manchester United have got.
With England international forward, captain and an icon Wayne Rooney’s form nowhere to be found and young Marcus Rashford’s inconsistency under Jose Mourinho, it was the towering Swede who took the centre of the stage to lead the Red Devils forward.
Former Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain striker paid no attention to criticism as he took it all on his chin like he always does and responded with even heavier blows.
His tally of 26 goals in total and 15 in the Premier League have so far been enough to make him a club’s top scorer, but Ibrahimovic’s influence is hardly limited to goals only.
Zlatan is More than Goals
The Swedish striker is a major force and an appearance on the pitch, whose very presence is sometimes enough to make opposing defenders uncomfortable. Zlatan’s ability to hold on to the ball and get back deep into his own half to pick up passes and distribute the ball to flanks has added a valuable option to Manchester United’s tactical approach.
And it was exactly the versatility, power, strength and a lethal edge upfront that Manchester United missed in their last three domestic matches Zlatan Ibrahimovic was forced to sit through because of his suspension.
During the time of Zlatan’s suspension, Manchester United have been knocked out of the FA Cup and suffered a blow to their top four chances with a goalless draw against WBA last time out. As Red Devils head into the crucial part of the season, it is of vital importance to have an influential player such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic upfront and his return to the fold might just be what Manchester United need as they look to make a push towards the top-four places in the Premier League table.
Mere three shots on target against West Brom this weekend is a disappointing stat for Jose Mourinho’s men, who can only be defended through the fact that United lacked much more than Ibrahimovic in their last fixture.
Ander Herrera was also suspended, whereas Paul Pogba, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Juan Mara were all victims to injuries for the game Red Devils ended up dominating with 75% possession.
Jose Mourinho was particularly displeased with his front four – Jesse Lingard, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – who lacked that binding matter Zlatan Ibrahimovic oozes.
People either like him or hate him, but no one can deny that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been a huge influence this season and a player who always gives his 100% on the pitch. And often more.
Jose Mourinho is facing a great dilemma ahead of the summer transfer window with Zlatan Ibrahimovic already being linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Seeing that his former player and a friend has gone to become such an influence, the Portuguese is no doubt keen to see the Swede exercise an option in his contract and extend his stay in England for another year.
Ibra’s Future?
Ibrahimovic is coy on his future and is not willing to discuss the MLS switch rumours.
Much will depend on Manchester United’s position at the end of next season, it is simple as that. Red Devils are currently occupying the fifth place in the standings, with a game in hand over Manchester City in fourth and five points behind their city rivals.
It needs to be noted, however, that United have two games in hand over Liverpool in third and seeing them trail the Reds by six points only, we get to a conclusion that top-four battle is going to be a highly exciting one.
The Red Devils are still in the running for a direct Champions League berth through Europa League. Manchester United are priced at 6/4 betting odds to win the title and earn their place back in the elite tier, which will be a determining factor for the Swede.
Will Ibrahimovic stay at United next season?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
