When Zlatan Ibrahimovic sustained the serious ligament injury to his knee back in April many thought it could be the end of the Swede’s playing career, not just his Manchester United career. Now, just four months later Ibrahimovic is on the comeback trail and it’s thought he will play before the end of the year. It is a testament to the incredible desire and love for the game the former Sweden captain possesses to come back from such an injury at the age of 36 and still want to play the game at the highest level.
The former number nine at Old Trafford has been doing his recovery work at United’s training complex and it looks like he has no intent to depart Manchester just yet. It has been widely touted Jose Mourinho intends to offer Ibrahimovic a contract until the end of the season. In July the United manager said “It's possible. He is open. Obviously, we leave the door open for him to recover with us. At the same time, let's make a decision that will make us all happy”.
The affliction between the striker and the Red Devils is clear for all to see, Ibrahimovic became a cult hero last season amongst United fans because of his desire to win, his wonderful arrogance and of course his goals. Bringing the 36-year-old back to Old Trafford on a short term deal is a no brainer for the management at Manchester United. To have the 28 goal leading scorer of last season back in the ranks could prove monumental for Mourinho’s men in the second half of the season. Regardless of his age, the unwavering will to win is as strong as it has ever been. Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United have been too soft mentally, one man who brings a stern will to win is the Swede. Who dragged his teammates through the EFL Cup final? It was Ibrahimovic, the big game player who stepped up to lead the way to winning the EFL Cup last season. It could be the returning striker who leads the way to the Premier League or Champions League in the second half of this season.
46 games 🏃
28 goals ⚽️
9 assists 🅰️
The first European trophy of his career. 🏆
Tuesdays Super Cup final against Real Madrid was yet another instance of the lack of quality Manchester United possess in their squad. The only option Mourinho could truly call upon was Marouane Fellaini, brought on because the Red Devils had no other options that could make an impact on the game. Of course, Ibrahimovic has been replaced as the main striker at Old Trafford by Romelu Lukaku but when like on Tuesday night when the Belgian striker is not firing in front of goal who is there on the bench as an alternative centre forward? Marcus Rashford seems to be more of a wide player and Anthony Martial is in limbo at United. The lack of alternate forward options once again saw Mourinho’s team fall short. To have a striker with 420 career club goals as an option could prove massive for the Manchester club in games that are not going their way but also if Lukaku picks up an injury there would be a truly reliable alternative up front for Jose Mourinho to call upon.
The likelihood is that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to Manchester United in January. For the Old Trafford club it is a no lose situation, the return of last season’s talismanic goal scorer and leader could prove to be a monumental boost in the final stages of the season. The presence of the Swede in the dressing room, at training sessions and on the pitch will bring that title winning experience that many of his teammates don’t have. Additionally, the guaranteed goals of the 36-year-old will be vital if a goal shy United team are to challenge for the big two trophies, the Premier League and Champions League. A short-term deal for Ibrahimovic in January, regardless of wages and any bonuses is a no risk situation for the club and could well prove to be the most important deal they could do this season.
