Bharath Rammr
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future at Manchester United continues to remain under speculation, as the striker has not yet committed with the Premier league outfit beyond the current campaign. His contract runs out in the summer, but United are very keen on extending the striker’s stay. They have been so pleased with the 28-goal hero that United are ready to offer a two-year contract to Ibrahimovic, something that has not been done in recent times for a player above 30. Yet, Ibrahimovic continues to remain silent about his plans for the future.
Fresh reports emerging from Old Trafford claim that the striker will take a decision on his Manchester United future only after the end of the campaign, as he does not want to remain at Old Trafford if United failed to qualify for the Champions League. The lack of the premier European football was an issue when United brought the Swedish striker in. Even though he has won numerous honours in his career, the Champions League remains the sole absentee from his trophy list. As his playing days approach an end, Ibrahimovic does not want to retire with the dubious record of not having won the Champions League despite having been so successful in his career.
At the same time, it looks unlikely that Ibrahimovic may find another home in European football. The striker has been linked heavily with a move to Chinese Super League or to the MLS, with the forward reportedly preferring the latter.
United are struggling to finish in the top four. The club are 4 points behind Manchester City, who have been able to maintain a similar buffer for several weeks. Chelsea, Tottenham, and Liverpool are favourites to finish ahead of City, who may just do enough to hold on to the 4th spot. This would leave United staring at the prospect of another campaign without Champions League football. Apart from the significant drop in shirt sponsorship revenue, the club would also face the possibility of not being attractive to the eyes of top players. The club’s best hope of reaching the group stages of the 2017-18 Champions League is by winning the Europa League.
Surprisingly, Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola claimed a few months ago that his client would allow the prospect of linking up with Italian outfit Napoli. This came up as a surprise for many, as Napoli are not in a title winning position. Yet, the Italian outfit will be able to offer Champions League football to the player. It would also mean a return to the league where Ibrahimovic has played the majority of his career.
