Jose Mourinho’s second season at Manchester United took a flying start this Sunday when the Red Devils thrashed West Ham United 4-0 at Old Trafford. New signing Romelu Lukaku scored a brace and Nemanja Matic, the former Chelsea star, has been lauded for his majestic display under the ex-Blues gaffer.
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Victor Lindelof was left among the substitutes and the Portuguese tactician admitted that the former Benfica centre-back needs some time to adjust to the new surroundings. But the inception of a new Premier League season could not have been better at the Theatre of Dreams where Manchester United, although finished sixth last season, have registered themselves as strong title contenders.
The 20-time league winners made two daring decisions ahead of the campaign – they let their iconic Englishman Wayne Rooney leave for his boyhood club Everton after 13 years, also, top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic was released by the club as he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April that has ruled him from football for this calendar year. But the club will allow him to do his rehabilitations at Manchester and the talismanic Swedish hitman is set for his Carrington return amidst talks of a new deal that would keep him at the club beyond this year and allow him an opportunity to contribute on and off the pitch later this season.
Zlatan, who will turn 36 in October, has netted 420 goals in 723 club outings and despite being in his mid-thirties, the retired Swedish international scored 28 times in 46 appearances for Manchester United last season before sustaining a season-ending injury. A new deal, thus makes sense from every aspect, as he will be increasing their attacking depth alongside marksman Lukaku and youngster Marcus Rashford. Now, re-signing Ibrahimovic will be a statement of intent, which the club wants to achieve this season.
Also, the profile of Champions League football will drive the Belgian to play more than 50 games-a-season and an injury would be a major concern, as it will leave them with rookie Rashford only as their ‘number 9’. Mourinho prefers Anthony Martial as a wide player thus the presence of Ibrahimovic will sort out their issues as he, known for his poaching instinct, will add goals to the game.
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Also, at 36, the player himself would prefer leaving an impact coming off the bench rather than joining a Chinese outfit or plying his trade in the MLS. So, the deal is fair enough for both parties and his experience might lead United to reconquer the throne. Also, the esteemed Premier League medal will add another feather in Zlatan’s hat.
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