How does resigning Zlatan affect Manchester United’s campaign
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Manchester United completed the deal to bring back last season’s top performer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the club recently. With the striker enduring a ligament damage to his knee back in April in an Europa League quarter final clash, it was widely believed that the 35 year old’s career could well be over.
But the prolific forward himself announced his arrival back to Old Trafford with a picture of him on social media shaking hands with a ‘Red Devil’. The iconic handshake has sent United fans into a frenzy as they wait for the towering Swede to get back to full fitness and contribute to their endeavors as soon as possible.
Lingering doubts
Even though Zlatan enjoyed a tremendous campaign last time around scoring 28 goals in all competitions including twice in the EFL Cup final which resulted in United lifting the trophy. But pundits across Europe mentioned how slow United were in general during their buildup.
They allowed oppositions to go into a shell and were unable to break them mainly due to the lack of pace Zlatan has. The consequences were clearly visible as the Red Devils were held to nine draws at home which was highly unsettling for the Old Trafford faithful.
Despite Ibrahimović’s physicality and the ability to produce match winning moments, the lack of passing options for the midfielders and the lack of pace had everyone thinking why would United choose to sign Zlatan on a yearlong contract again?
Personality matters
United gaffer, Mourinho has been full of praise for the aura Zlatan brings in to the dressing room. His personality helped the youngsters in Manchester to develop into much better players which was resonated by Marcus Rashford.
The 19 year old Rashford looked up to Zlatan and it certainly helped him to move towards being a more complete forward. Ibrahimovic has always been known as a figure head and the kind of character he is, Mourinho would love to have the veteran as his voice in the dressing room.
Moreover, Jose has managed to replace the big match experience Wayne Rooney possessed by bringing in Zlatan. It could not have gotten any better to have the lethal striker in the squad when the Red Devils will be competing for every possible trophy this season.
But where will Zlatan Fit?
The arrival of Romelu Lukaku has allowed Jose’s men to play with more flair up top. The creativity and swift passing in the final third are coming through and the Red Devils look like a different team altogether.
Whether Jose pairs Lukaku and Zlatan together on an away game to find the all-important away goal or Ibrahimovic comes on from the bench with Rashford and Martial on the wings for a final burst in the last ten minutes, all possibilities favour United at the moment.
Jose considers Zlatan as a top striker and the Swede will make sure to perform on the pitch to galvanize that argument.
