There was a huge cheer from the Man Utd fans in the Transfer Tavern when it was confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic was returning to the club…
Indeed, his retention was always expected, given his fine form last term, but until it was made official there was always a sense of doubt amongst fans.
The signings of Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic have earned a lot of plaudits in the Transfer Tavern over the last few weeks, but our landlord thinks that the signing of Ibrahimovic could prove to be even more important.
Let’s not forget, last season he bagged 17 Premier League goals during his debut campaign in the league. This is particularly significant when you consider that domestically the Red Devils really struggled, and so with an improved midfield behind him, you can only imagine how many goals he’ll score in the coming season. It will also be his second campaign in the division – he’s now well aware of the demands and physicality, and he’ll be perfectly placed to impress.
He can also have a massive impact off the field. Romelu Lukaku is a top forward, but he’s still young and certainly can improve. There’s nobody better in Europe to give him a lesson in forward play than Ibrahimovic. He can really tutor the Belgian over the next year and make his successor even better.
He likely won’t play every week, and that’s okay. But when he’s needed, he’ll come in – and he’ll undoubtedly do a job as he always has.
Nemanja Matic will be key this year, offering a real force in the midfield. Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, will supply so many goals. But when you consider the impact that Ibrahimovic will have on the field, in the dressing room and on the training field – combined with the potential prospect of a role at the end of his career – his retention emerges as a coup for Man Utd.
Man Utd fans – thoughts?
Let us know below!
