A new report from the Sun has suggested that Manchester United are keen on handing striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic a new two-year contract, which would see him stay at the club until the summer of 2019. Then, he would be at the ripe old age of 37. United were highly sceptical about Ibrahimovic being a success at Old Trafford, and it was a major factor in giving the player just a one-year contract – albeit with a further year as an option – when he came to the club in the summer. Even though he was 35, Ibrahimovic has been consistently playing every week for the last five years. He remains as one of the fittest players around.
Now, United are ready to give a new deal for the player after having seen him move level on goals with the Diego Costa and Alexis Sanchez at the top of the Premier league goal scoring charts. It remains to be seen if Ibrahimovic would be interested in such a long-term deal, especially with the striker capable of commanding far better wages if he moves to Chinese Super League or the Middle East.
The former Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, and PSG forward has always looked like being motivated by trophies more than money. Ibrahimovic recently claimed that even though he may be 35, he still feels like a 20-year-old.
The statement by the player cannot be put aside just as a funny claim, as Ibrahimovic has missed only one league game this season and it was due to suspension. He has already played 1800 minutes of action without showing any sign of slowing down. His return of 14 goals and three assists makes him the best player at United by a long distance.
United have been on a contract extension spree over the last few weeks. The club recently received a lot of backlash for deciding to activate the one-year option in midfielder Marouane Fellaini’s contract, despite the midfielder being highly unpopular amongst fans.
It has been followed by Ecuadorian Antonio Valencia also receiving an extension to his stay at Old Trafford. Valencia’s contract was about to expire in the summer and he was already free to discuss terms with clubs across the world. However, United have taken up the option of an additional year, and the right back will stay at the club until the summer of 2018.
The contract being prepared for Ibrahimovic, though, will be on fresh terms and it will be a two-year deal running until the summer of 2019. It remains to be seen if the Swedish star shows any interest in such a contract. After having won league titles in all major European leagues, Ibrahimovic awaits the arrival of only the Premier League trophy.
