Zlatan Ibrahimović has made a long-anticipated return to Manchester United having agreed to a one-year deal with the Old Trafford based club.
The Red Devils took the decision to release him at the end of the 2016-17 season having seen the Swede’s season cut short after sustaining a serious injury.
Given his excellent contributions last season in terms of goal return, and playing a part in United’s Europa League triumph, United fans were hoping that Zlatan would extend his stay in Manchester, and refused to give up hope despite him being one the players released at the end of last season.
The towering striker was said to have offers on the table from numerous clubs including in the MLS, but ultimately decided to make the return to Old Trafford.
Proving the doubters wrong
Still yet to recover, the Swedish international has been undergoing rehabilitation for his cruciate knee ligament injury and has been using resources provided to him by Manchester United.
Many thought the former PSG striker would struggle to cope with the demands of the Premier League prior to the commencement of the 2016-17 season, but he most certainly proved his doubters wrong having seen him continue a tremendous goal return he had become renowned for at his previous clubs.
Belgian international Romelu Lukaku was signed by Man Utd earlier this summer, leading many to believe that any chance of a reunion at Old Trafford for Ibrahimović was dead in the water.
Zlatan is expected to make a return in early 2018 after his injury setback although hopes to make a comeback far sooner than this.
Useful squad option
Given that age isn’t exactly on his side though, will Zlatan form part of the regular first team squad?
Lukaku will most likely stay as first choice striker, and so the former PSG forward will most likely have to play second fiddle, something that he is not used to given his reputation.
Attacking options are in abundance at Old Trafford with several established players at the disposal of United boss José Mourinho, but Zlatan Ibrahimović will most certainly be a useful option for United to have given he has already proved himself in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
Written by Cristian Fry
Follow Cristian on Twitter @CristianF99
Like O-Posts on Facebook
You can also follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts
0