Sridhar Bhamidi
The signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic will give Manchester United a crucial lift in the second half of the season when he returns, says United former striker Louis Saha. As told to Omnisport and reported by The Daily Mail, the former French striker believes that the Swedish superstar will be a huge presence in the team for Jose Mourinho.
Zlatan was a success in his debut season in England last year when he scored 28 goals in 46 goals. It was a freak injury that sidelined him this year and he was expected to be out of action till the end of this year.
With the club terminating his contract in the summer, there were reports that Zlatan could move back to Italy or choose to move to MLS. However, he was always willing to spend one more year at Old Trafford and penned a new one-year deal last month.
There are doubts in certain quarters over how Mourinho would be able to manage the superstar with his mega signing Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian striker has settled into his life at Old Trafford with fine performances and as Zlatan rarely plays as a back-up, there were doubts about his presence in the team.
However, Saha believes that the move to sign Zlatan is a masterstroke by Mourinho as his experience, strength, and ability will come good at a crucial time for the Red Devils this season.
“Ibrahimovic is an immense player who will galvanise the squad during the second half of the season,” Saha told Omnisport.
“Competition for places within the squad is great. Leadership is vital to win trophies like the Premier League and Champions League.”
The 35-year-old was initially tipped to get back on the field in January but looking at the speedy recovery, he could be available as early as the festive period before the New Year itself.
Saha believes that Zlatan’s experience would be vital in guiding the team to the first Premier League title since 2013. Zlatan’s goals helped United to the Europa League crown last year but it is Lukaku who is leading the line now. United have made a stunning start to their campaign, winning three matches on the trot, scoring 10 goals and conceding none.
But, will Zlatan be able to play as a second striker or play back-up to Lukaku? It is going to be a mighty task for Mourinho to satisfy the huge egos of his two star forwards.
