Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out re-signing veteran forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although a return to Old Trafford for the 37-year-old might not be as fanciful as it first appears.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Everton, Mourinho said "no, no" when asked if he would consider bringing Ibrahimovic back to the club for a third spell.
The Swedish striker has been ripping it up in the MLS since leaving the Red Devils in March of this year, scoring 22 goals in 26 appearances for LA Galaxy, including seven goals in his last seven appearances. Ibrahimovic, along with another former United forward, Wayne Rooney, who has scored 12 goals in 19 appearances for DC United, is enjoying a new lease of life in the States it seems.
Ibrahimovic appears to have returned to full fitness after being plagued with knee problems during the latter stages of his spell with United and he could be the perfect short-term addition to Mourinho's beleaguered squad.
Ibrahimovic belied his advancing years to score 29 goals in 53 appearances for United, first signing in July 2016 before being released in June 2017, only to be re-signed in August of the same year. He has since moved to the MLS and has played a starring role for LA Galaxy, with the American franchise looking to book their play-off place in the Western Conference this weekend.
With the MLS season moving towards the post-season stage, Ibrahimovic would be available soon enough and Mourinho should consider bringing him back to Old Trafford.
The forward has been a trusted lieutenant of Mourinho's in the past - scoring 58 goals and laying on 23 assists in 100 appearances for the Portuguese manager during their time together at Inter Milan and United - and how the Manchester United boss could do with a few more players he can trust to do a job in his under-performing squad at the moment.
Next Club Odds: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is currently 7/2 to return to Manchester United.
Furthermore, the addition of Ibrahimovic, a man who relishes the spotlight, would help to take the pressure off the misfiring Romelu Lukaku, who has come in for some scathing criticism from fans and social media following an abysmal start to this season. United don't appear to be blessed with forwards ready to lead the line, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial more effective when cutting in from wide (and constantly having to prove their worth to Mourinho).
Ibrahimovic could be the perfect solution. A player who can come in against the lesser sides in the Premier League, for cup games, and the odd substitute appearance, to help take some of the focus away from his former under-performing teammates.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Dare to Zlatan.
