Zlatan Ibrahimovic, The man to take us back to the top

Whenever Jose Mourinho’s name was linked with Manchester United, the name Zlatan Ibrahimovic hasn’t been too far behind. Since working together at Inter Milan back in 2009 the pair have struck up a close relationship with one and other, with of course one-stand out passion that lies close to each other hearts, their personal hatred towards Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola.

It is no secret Pep Guardiola isn’t exactly high on Jose Mourinho’s Christmas card list, nor is it a surprise he isn’t too high on Zlatans. Mourinho’s rivalry with the Spaniard dates back to when the Portuguese managed Real Madrid between 2010-2013, whilst Zlatan’s rivalry dates back to his brief stay at the Nou Camp in 2010, where despite scoring 21 goals for Barcelona was sold a year later to AC Milan.

Their sheer hatred for Guardiola alone could already be seen as us having an upper hand before the season even kicks off. Both have points to prove, Mourinho to show the footballing world that he is truly the best manager on the planet, whilst Zlatan to prove that age really is just a number.

To sit here and say signing Ibrahimovic would not be gamble would be silly as let’s face it, it is a gamble, it’s a massive gamble, but it is a gamble worth taking. Sections of the older generation at Old Trafford have even likened Zlatan to a former United great in Eric Cantona and it is easy to see why. Both display on the football field a certain confidence, arrogance if you will that make them winners. To become successful on the pitch you need a player with that charisma in your side and with Zlatan he has exactly that and Mourinho knows it.

The main negative aspects surrounding this potential signing all point to the youth, more specifically at Marcus Rashford. Rashford’s superb end to last season will not go un-noticed, if anything the arrival of Ibrahimovic would only help the youngster. Training and playing alongside one of the finest strikers of our generation in Ibrahimovic can only be a positive for Rashford, and one he could gain invaluable experience from.

It remains to be seen whether we do indeed sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but one thing is for sure if Zlatan Ibrahimovic is wearing the colours of Manchester United next season, we are already one up on our noisy neighbours before the season has even begun and they know it.

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9 Comments

cr May 31, 2016

Martial - Rashford - New Right Winger

----------- Zlatan --------------

-----Herrera - Schneiderlin-----

Shaw - Smalling - Varane - TFM

------------DDG-----------------

As that line-up is rather offensive, the new right winger should be someone who contributes defensively and helps out in midfield. This way we could have balance but still fit all three of Martial, Rashford and Zlatan.

Yusuf_Israel June 1, 2016

Cr

While I agree with you but From what I'm reading, Rashford is just learning his trade as an instinctive goal scorer, I think I would prefer him as a sub for striking position than accommodating him on the wings, that will stall his predatory instinct.

But I fear Mou will like to accommodate him in the wings.

cr June 1, 2016

Yusuf_Israel, yes he should definitely not be playing every match. 25-30 starts next season I think would be the best amount for him. The line-up above was just to show that it's possible to have both Rashford and Zlatan in the starting eleven. I think Zlatan could work well as an advanced number 10, or a drop-off striker if you will. He could be our target player in that position.

Indeed, I don't see Rashford doing particularly well on the wings either.

After being benched or played out-of-position, Rashford also needs to stay clear from putting on too much muscles. He is already quite physically strong and putting on too much weight will make him slower - speed is arguably his greatest strength.

I've seen it happening to so many other players in recent year. Look at Micah Richards or Phil Jones, for instance: they have packed on too much muscle which has hampered their football development and made them too clumsy. It's football, not bodybuilding.

Calvin_Drego June 1, 2016

@CR,

Same could be said about Depay. Before he came to United everyone predicted him to be faster than most fullbacks. But he seems to be a yard slower. The extra weight could be an issue there.

Read somewhere a while back that CR7 used to keep his weight very slightly under his optimal body weight so he could still maintain the extra yard of pace as he ages. Seemed to work for him.

Calvin_Drego, indeed Memphis is yet another great example of that. He just seems so heavy in his sprint. He needs to loose some weight and focus on speed and agility instead.

I also read that which you mention about Cristiano. Though I think he only started doing that in recent years, before that he was naturally thin.

@ CR,

Same could be said about Valencia, Smalling. Both Muscular yet still lean and have premier league pace. Nani was another example too though though he is a little bit on the thinner side.

Depay this year and Shaw of last season were prime examples (young palyers) of what the extra bulk can do you in terms or injuries and pace. Shaw seemed to get it right at the start of this season.

It's sad though coz had Depay clicked, we would have a really fast, strong and dynamic front 3 with Marital and Rashford.

Still might happen if he gets his form and confidence back and Rashford continues to develop.

Mark Odeoshe Ajayi June 1, 2016

d gea
smalling. new cb
Damian shaw
schneiderlin Herrera
memphis. martial
roooney
ibrahimovic

cr June 3, 2016

Calvin_Drego,

I disagree regarding Smalling though. I don't think he's become slower. Smalling's one of the fastest and isn't too bulky anyway. Valencia is superstrong and yes maybe he's lost a *bit* of pace but that could be due to injuries or age, as well as bulking up. Was one of the fastest in the world before. He's still rather fast though.

Yeah Shaw got it right. Depay should get another season but I doubt he'll dislodge Martial and he won't play central. Good player who can make it big elsewhere.

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