“He’s not finished yet,” claimed an optimistic Manchester United side only some hours ago. While the other side of the coin, not surprisingly, said, “I UNITED it.” You know it’s Zlatan when you see these kind of posts on your feed.
It’s the same way the former Sweden international revealed the worst kept secret last summer when he announced his transfer, saying “Time to let the world know. My next destination is Manchester United.” United, on their part, have kept it formal as ever.
The club announced on their official website,
“Manchester United is delighted to announce that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will continue his journey with the club and has signed a one-year contract. He will wear the number 10 shirt.“
I UNITED it @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/2rgvuvoT0m
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) August 24, 2017
The 35-year-old ‘God of Manchester’ has not played a single game since his horrific knee injury (back in April). He was rightly expected to stay out of action until November or December this year, but has miraculously recovered well. He has long been teasing the United supporters with his Instagram posts and the likes of AC Milan and LA Galaxy even made contact with the player. But I suppose this news was always coming.
United’s new number 10 is now expected to begin his campaign from the second half of the season, hence, it will be interesting to see how Jose lines both Ibrahimovic and Lukaku together. Expressing his joy, a cheerful Jose told Manchester United’s official website,
“We are delighted Zlatan is on the road to recovery and we are equally delighted to have his ambition and experience back with us. After his contribution last season he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return. I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season.”
While the Swede, on his part, wants to finish something that
he started.“I am back to finish what I started. It was always mine and the club’s intention for me to stay. I cannot wait to get back out on that Old Trafford pitch, but I also know that I have to take my time to make sure that I am ready. I have been working hard and will continue to do so to make sure I am in the best possible condition for my return to the pitch.”, he said.
Having said that, United fans went into a frenzy and this is how they reacted to the news:
Starting from the club themselves,
He’s not finished yet – @Ibra_official has signed a new one-year contract with #MUFC! https://t.co/ATiksSrLDT pic.twitter.com/PDh9fDEgrg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 24, 2017
#Zlat10 pic.twitter.com/jnjJHnLJy4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 24, 2017
The reaction? Here it is!
— mk (@K_Mightyy) August 24, 2017
@Ryan_Smith94 @Sheena_McS pic.twitter.com/uvfF5HTmMS
— Chris Kilpatrick (@ckilpatrick6) June 9, 2017
It’s now time pic.twitter.com/UYNgp5yKRu
— Dex (@DexterUnited) August 24, 2017
ALL HAIL ZLATAN
— Amy (@AmyyyRosee) August 24, 2017
He is a Swedish hero.
On a free from PSG,
He cost us f***ing zero.
6 foot 5; hard as f**k,
He gets the Reds excited.
— TRed (@twink_mufc) August 24, 2017
Thank Jesus this is the best news I’ve heard all week ❤️❤️
— Justin Loucks (@justinloucks8) August 24, 2017
When Zlatan signed a new contract pic.twitter.com/qst0UzjF7X
— Dex (@DexterUnited) August 24, 2017
WE LOVEEEEE YOUUUU KINGGGGGG ❤❤❤ #ZLA10 #mufc
— Nataly Antar (@Nataly_Antar) August 24, 2017
Valid point this
Imagine having to mark Zlatan & Lukaku when a cross comes in
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesBR) August 24, 2017
Delighted to once again see Zlatan Ibrahimović in a Manchester United shirt. Was wasteful at times, but immense player to have around.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) August 24, 2017
Enjoy some stats,
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was involved in 37 goals
in 46 games for Man Utd in 2016/17.28 goals ⚽️
9 assists ️Not bad for a 35-year-old… pic.twitter.com/rf1Ghmi9kU
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 24, 2017
15 – At 35y 125d, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the oldest player to reach 15 @premierleague goals in a single season. Vintage. pic.twitter.com/CV68bl0J3X
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 5, 2017
28 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 28 goals in all competitions for @ManUtd; 17 more than any other player since his debut. Encore. pic.twitter.com/ah9nq2Gfev
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 24, 2017
— sarah (@tazandsaz) August 24, 2017
Is ManUtd a recycling plant now?
— Richard Mangezi (@muketah) August 24, 2017
Just give them the trophy
— Duane Jones (@Duaneybopp) August 24, 2017
— Logan (@Loganwarby123) August 24, 2017