Connect with us

Manchester United

Could Ibra be returning to Old Trafford?

Manchester United are set to discuss terms with Zlatan Ibrahimovic over a new role at Old Trafford.

The 35-year-old saw his time cut short last season following a serious knee injury picked up during our UEFA Europa League quarter-final victory over Anderlecht in April.  The Swedish striker is not expected to return to full fitness until the start of 2018.

However, the Independent are reporting that Jose Mourinho is keen to bring Ibrahimovic back to United, claiming that club sources say the boss wants to bring the striker back in a similar role to what he did with Didier Drogba at Chelsea previously.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be set for a coaching role with us once he finally hangs up his boots and the report says that we’ve entered preliminary talks to discuss a new contract with the footballing legend.

There is no doubt that the former-Sweden international is a locker room leader and could be an excellent bridge between the manager and players this season, as well as being an excellent role model and coach for the younger players in the squad.

Ibrahimovic’s contract with United expired earlier this summer, though there had been reports we were going to offer him a further one-year deal prior to his serious injury.

It’s not been ruled out that he will rejoin us for the second half of the season once he is back in playing shape, though Ibrahimovic has also been linked with a move to the MLS.

The report in the Independent suggests that Mourinho is keen to bring Ibrahimovic back to Old Trafford in one form or another.  Right now, I guess it’s a waiting game over his fitness and whether or not the player still plans to return to professional football in the New Year.

Mourinho was quoted last week that discussions between the club and player had taken place:

“We are discussing the possibility of him [Ibrahimovic] to stay with us.

“It was very clear from him that what he did last year was not enough for him. He wants more football at the highest level so we are having conversations and discussing the possibility of him staying for the second part of the season.

“He is injured, he needs time to recover, and is not ready to play tomorrow. It’s not something that’s urgent, it’s not desperate to have it done or not.”

With young attacking players in our squad like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, the experience and expertise of a player of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s quality can only be beneficial for their future.  I have no doubt that he could teach Romelu Lukaku a thing or two as well.