It’s official. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is coming to Manchester United. He confirmed it himself via his verified Twitter account yesterday. Ibrahimovic wrote “Time to let the world know. My next move is @ManUtd” and then included the club logo.
Today brings the next step as Zlatan Ibrahimovic is at United’s Carrington training ground undergoing his medical. Ibrahimovic is undergoing tests ahead of signing a one-year contract at Old Trafford. Here’s a photo of Ibra holding his new club scarf at the Red Devils training ground.
https://twitter.com/theunitedmanc/status/748926822306504704
Just now the United official account Tweeted out this nifty introductory video of Zlatan in Red Devils gear:
Are you ready? It's #ZlatanTime… https://t.co/s8AsUG6VZF
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2016
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is 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.
He led Ligue 1 in goals scored three of the past four seasons. Of those past four seasons, his goals scored per game rate was the highest just last year, making the case that he’s aging like a fine wine.
Here’s video of his interview for MUTV:
Ladies and gentlemen, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. #ZlatanTime https://t.co/D0pgGpG8zQ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2016
In case you (somehow) missed it earlier – Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a United player! #ZlatanTime https://t.co/bEyo8DA0Sp
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2016
Here it is, Zlatan’s first photo in a United kit.
The image you've been waiting to see! #ZlatanTime pic.twitter.com/g0TmaFt3Ic
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2016
Done deal! #ZlatanTime pic.twitter.com/7W2qsnXtXw
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2016
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.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram