Former Paris St. Germain superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been heavily linked to Manchester United all summer, and that reached a culmination on June 4th when multiple outlets reported that he had reached his decision.
Ibrahimovic will join United on a one year deal.
The BBC writes today that “Zlatan Ibrahimovic should complete his long-anticipated move to Manchester United by the end of the week. Ibrahimovic removed the final barrier to his switch to the Premier League when he said he did not wish to be considered for Olympic duty at the 2016 Games in Rio following Sweden’s exit from Euro 2016.”
Yes, the Is are being dotted and the Ts are getting crossed it, as the basic core deal is in place,
Expect an Ibrahimovic unveiling press conference at Carrington or Old Trafford sometime over the next few days. Of course, noe he gets to be around for United’s preseason, as he won’t be balling for Sweden again this summer, or ever.
Ibra retired from international duty, and withdrew from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
Zlatan will be exactly what the United attack needs, because he’s many things, and one thing he’s definitely not is boring. The Red Devils attack was highly criticized this season, and rightfully so, because it was so dull. Ibrahimovic may be 34-years-old, but there’s hardly anybody out there today who’s balling like he is at age 34.
Two United players, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata, have publicly expressed the idea that they would welcome the chance to play with Zlatan. Martial said so for the second time last month. Club legend Roy Keane believes Ibrahimovic will fit in well at United. While he may not be the long term solution, and certainly no one believes that he is, the big tall Swede is a perfect stop gap solution.
You can see him gelling well with Martial and Rooney in the attack, but if you’re Marcus Rashford right now, you have to wonder about your place. How will Manager Jose Mourinho find a spot for both strikers? That will be interesting to watch.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
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