MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE confirmed theyโve re-signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a one-year deal.
The Swede played 46 times for the Red Devils last term before a cruciate ligament injury sustained during the Europa League quarter-final second-leg against Anderlecht prematurely ended his campaign.
The 35-year-old striker, who had netted 28 times in his first season at Old Trafford, was left in a state of limbo, with his future undecided as his contract at United expired. There was speculation that he could make a move to the MLS, but after showing impressive progress with his recovery, he will return to Jose Mourinhoโs panel this season.
Ibrahimovic feels that he has unfinished business in the Premier League, having previously won league titles in four different countries.
โI am back to finish what I started,โ he told the clubโs official website. โIt was always mine and the clubโs intention for me to stay. I cannot wait to get back out on that Old Trafford pitch, but I also know that I have to take my time to make sure that I am ready. I have been working hard and will continue to do so to make sure I am in the best possible condition for my return to the pitchโ
Meanwhile, Mourinho is confident his charge can make an impression in the second half of the season.
The Portuguese said: โWe are delighted Zlatan is on the road to recovery and we are equally delighted to have his ambition and experience back with us. After his contribution last season he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return. I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season.โ
United have made a strong start to the season, winning both of their opening matches in the league 4-0, with Romelu Lukaku, Ibrahimovicโs replacement as the teamโs spearhead, netting four times in three competitive outings.
Although he wonโt be ready for a while yet, heโs a great addition to the squad and will come in handy at the business end of the season.
@Glenn Harman: youโre dead right, only for him last season United would have finished in the bottom half of the table
@Jamie: zzzzz and if the sun didnโt shine thereโd be no pretty flowers like yourself!
@Jamie: no, they wouldnโt have.
@FPL Thommo: in fairness he is right.
@Jamie: normally donโt agree with you. Prob not bottom half belittle def 2-3 places lower.
@FPL Thommo: mute the jackeen itโs lot bitter blue
@Jamie: If they didnโt sign Zlatan last season, they would have signed a different striker !!
@Adrian Costigan: exactly. Some other striker would have been banging in the goals. Quite simple
Great man to come back in mid season. Could be the difference in premiership and champions league. A handy draw would be nice today
โZlatan doesnโt do auditions.โ #DaretoZlatan
Brilliant, heโs a great player to have around the club even if he is injured or if heโs not going to be 100% fit. Heโll influence the younger players and his superstar persona is what the club needs to get a bit of magic and air of nonchalance back.
Great. All we need now is Ronaldo for No.7 and weโre good to go :-)
@Sloop John G: Thatโs for Greizmann next year Sloop.
Not sure what this tells Rashford and I know that he is young but his time is now and not later
@Mark Smith: rashford plays on the wing. Zlatan plays centre forward.
@Lurfic: Rashford has said himself that he is a no.9 that doesnโt have a problem playing in other positions. Its Mourinho that has pushed him onto the wing. The fact that he scored 2 goals on his debut (in Europa cup), 2 goals on Premier League debut and a goal on his England debut shows he can excel as a centre forward if given the opportunity.
@John Buckley: his finishing isnโt good enough to lead united to the title just look at the chances last year he missed and even against Swansea on Saturday . He is the future but united still need a goalscoring back up to Lukaku to win more trophies this year.
A legend of the game, itโll be great to see him back. And hopefully in time to spearhead their Europa League defence.
Not a United fan but considering the fact soccer has gone mad, this is truly one of the feel-good stories. Respect to ya big man.
Guess whoโs back, back again
Zlatanโs back, tell a friend
Guess whoโs back, guess whoโs back
Guess whoโs back, guess whoโs back โฆโฆโฆ
Now this looks like a job for me
So everybody, just follow me!
โCause we need a little controversy
โCause it feels so empty without me
I said this looks like a job for me
So everybody, just follow me!
โCause we need a little controversy
โCause it feels so empty without meโฆ..bitch !!
@powerfix: A perfect re addition to Uniteds striker options. Should Lukaku ever be needed for Belgium duties. Zlatanfits there perfectly. Also in the Champions League.
@powerfix: Oh my god you sad fcker, serioisly thatโs bad.
@Mrs. Nugent: thatโs why your names at the bottom of it girlygirl