Bringing Zlatan Ibrahimovic back could work wonders for Man United
According to ESPN sources, Jose Mourinho is considering a move to bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to Old Trafford after the 37-year-old’s successful season in the MLS. The towering Swede has already netted 21 goals from 25 appearances.
The Red Devils signed the Swedish talisman upon the expiry of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain in 2016 and reaped instant rewards. Ibrahimovic was the team’s top scorer in the Premier League and scored a total of 28 goals across all competitions as United lifted the UEFA Europa League.
However, he did not fare particularly well in the following season after a cruciate ligament injury and scored only once in 7 appearances. However, the 37-year-old has rediscovered his mojo as a striker in the MLS.
As far as United are concerned, they could benefit from his return on multiple levels. More than his contribution on the field, his return could work wonders off the field.
Manchester United have lacked an effective leader since the departures of Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney. Furthermore, Mourinho has not made the most positive influence on his players. His relationship with the team did not come under scrutiny in the previous campaign as things were going right for the Red Devils. But now that things have gone horribly wrong, Mourinho’s strained relationship with several senior players have come to light.
ESPN reported that several senior players in the team were unhappy with the manager’s tactics, training sessions, behaviour and man management.
Undoubtedly, Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez are two of the most high-profile players at the club but neither of them has influenced the players well. While Sanchez has struggled for form this season, Pogba hasn’t done his reputation any good by getting involved in controversies on and off the field. In fact, his bust-up with Mourinho on the training ground cut a rather sorry tale amongst the fans.
Suffice to say, neither Sanchez nor Pogba is in a position to boost the morale of the team in the dressing room. Furthermore, United do not have many high-profile players in the squad who have previously played under Jose Mourinho at other clubs. Nemanja Matic was a part of Chelsea when Mourinho managed the Blues but he doesn’t seem to have that same gravity like Ibrahimovic.
United need someone who can lead them by example and restore harmony between the players and the manager. Having played under Mourinho at Inter Milan previously, Ibrahimovic is likely to have a good understanding of the manager’s tactics and he certainly has the confidence and the charisma to act as a buffer.
Barring Romelu Lukaku, United do not have many choices for the No.9 position. The Belgian has blown hot and cold in patches so far and has squandered loads of good opportunities in front of the goal. He has let the team down with poor composure and his one-dimensional style of play has made life easy for the defenders. Anthony Martial is at his best when deployed at the flanks and Marcus Rashford is anything but a clinical finisher.
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To put things into perspective, Ibrahimovic could add a lot of value and substance to United’s attack. He is a complete centre-forward who is endowed with everything a striker needs – excellent technique, towering stature, physicality, aerial prowess and clinical finishing. In other words, he is a manager’s dream even at the age of 37.
That said, United should not hesitate to bring the former Swedish international back to Old Trafford for what might be one last hurrah.