Manchester United fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern have been raising a glass to the departing striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has left the club having not been offered an extension to his one-year-deal.
The world’s best journeyman striker will continue to move around world football after the powers that be at Old Trafford left the talisman off of Manchester United’s retained list submitted to the Premier League on Friday.
This is a scenario that, if we’re being honest, not many saw coming until the Swede suffered a cruciate ligament injury to his knee in the Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo, keeping him out until 2018. Therefore, while Jose Mourinho is looking to attract further big names to Old Trafford this summer, it makes little sense to keep someone with a wage-demand the size of Ibrahimovic’s on the books whilst they are sidelined for most of the season.
It’s a big blow to the former Barcelona striker, however, he can leave the Premier League with his head held high having defied all critics in just one season. Upon arriving from Paris Saint-Germain last summer many thought the retired Swedish international would struggle to bring his goal-scoring form across to English football.
However, considering the 35-year-old missed the end of the season and endured a dry spell in the middle of the campaign, a return of 28 goals in all competitions says more than any critic ever could.
After a sensational season for the Red Devils, fans both here in the bar and on social media are devastated to see their main man leaving…
Just a stupid decision, why would he be let go @Ibra_official https://t.co/4mz24Gb6mr
— Benjamin Cowley (@bencowley9111) June 9, 2017
Why have @ManUtd released @Ibra_official he was our top scorer last season and probably the best player till his injury #stupid #Notcool
— Mike Berry (@mikeberry15) June 9, 2017
Stupid decision to let @Ibra_official go! Was a key part of last season. Good luck in the future and with the recovery of your injury!
— Kristen (@KristenMongor27) June 9, 2017
Would of been great to see #Zlatan lift a #Championsleague trophy with #mufc Guess some things are not meant to be
— Mr Taz (@TAZakaT_I) June 10, 2017
I will miss Zlatan. I feel like he’s been at #Mufc all his life. Wish we had bought him earlier. Thanks for the memories
— East African Girl. (@ChantalRuby1) June 10, 2017
Can’t believe we have released him, absolutely gutted, the guy scored so many important goals last season, thanks for the memories #IBRA https://t.co/VGEGYsKvj1
— Mitchell Hosein (@mitchellhosein) June 10, 2017
