Rijo Sam Daniel
Zlatan Ibrahimovic puzzled by Manchester United’s “small mentality” over £1
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a successful campaign during his time at Manchester United. However, he was puzzled by the club’s “small mentality” over an incident involving just £1. He is currently plying his trade with AC Milan, where he has enjoyed a great time even if though is at the latter stages of his career.
Ibrahimovic joined Man United from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2016. He has featured in 53 matches in the Red Devils jersey and has scored 29 goals with ten assists on top of it. The Sweden legend won three trophies during his time at Old Trafford and flourished under Jose Mourinho.
Writing in his autobiography Adrenaline (h/t The Athletic) [Subscription Required], the Swedish striker reflected on his experiences with United that made him perplexed about their mentality. And the entire issue was over a small bottle of juice that he took from the mini-bar costing £1.
“One day I was in the hotel with the team before a game. I got thirsty so I opened the mini-bar and had a fruit juice. Some time went by. My pay slip arrives. But that time, I don’t know why, I was curious and realised they’d taken a pound off my monthly wage.”
“I called the team manager: ‘Excuse me, why have they taken a pound off my salary.’ The team manager had a look and told me: ‘It was the fruit juice from the mini-bar.’ ‘Are you kidding, seriously?’ ‘No, I’m not. Here, if you order something you have to pay for it.”
A bit too much?
The 40-year-old does make valid points over the incident as a club of our stature should be managing these situations better. He was on behalf of the club at the hotel, and it was their duty to arrange the necessary facilities. However, this situation was easily solvable by talking directly to the hierarchy no matter how small the amount is instead of writing it in a book.
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It is peculiar why he had to put this in an autobiography as if he believes there needs to be a change in the culture. He could have addressed it there and then. However, the Milan forward is known for his no-nonsense behaviour, and it is in his nature to say things like they are regardless of the occasion.
It would also seem like he is taking a potshot at the club several years after leaving us. He was loved by the fans here and is still remembered fondly. But like Zlatan may have read too deep into that particular incident, maybe we are also guilty of needlessly dissecting his thoughts on it.
