Zlatan Ibrahimovic was told not to join Manchester United by five players
In an interview quoted by Tuttomercatoweb, former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed that five players advised him against joining the Red Devils.
The Swedish striker had his most prolific years at Paris Saint-Germain before departing in 2016. Eventually, he signed with Manchester United as a free agent on July 1, 2017, and spent two years with the team, earning some honours during this period.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s stint at Manchester United was undoubtedly a successful chapter in his career, though brief. During his time there, he made 53 appearances, provided ten assists, and netted 29 goals. It’s worth noting that Manchester United’s last European trophy was secured during his tenure.
Ibrahimovic said:
“I spoke to five players and everyone told me not to go because if I did badly they would all forget what I had done previously. So I made the decision: I’m going. It was my situation.”
Upon joining Manchester United, there were doubts surrounding Ibrahimovic, but he quickly silenced them with a series of outstanding performances. Just two months into his time with the club, the Swedish legend proudly won over the English supporters.
While Zlatan’s stay with the team was relatively short-lived, he continued his career beyond United, retiring six full years later. United could have acquired the Swedish player before his Paris Saint-Germain days.
In March 2018, his contract with United expired, and he subsequently moved to LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer. Two years later, after returning to AC Milan, he decided to retire at the end of the last season.
More Manchester United News-
- Manchester United target Adrien Rabiot hints at Juventus stay ahead of the European Championship
- Anthony Martial could leave Manchester United in the upcoming transfer window
- Manchester United legend David De Gea has congratulated
Although it’s challenging, let alone impossible, to find players with Zlatan’s unique combination of skills, drive, and personality, the striker does highlight one area where the team needs improvement. Zlatan enjoyed his time at the club, but he was a short-term fix, while the long-term issues required more sustainable solutions.
