The Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Manchester United rumors have been circulating for months, but they seemed to have grown in intensity in recent weeks as it has became obvious that Louis van Gaal will be fired at the end of the season.
In his 2011 autobiography, “I am Zlatan”, the Sweden international alluded to the strained relationship between the pair when he played under Ronald Koeman at Ajax and van Gaal was at the club as technical director.
When asked in a interview by Sports Illustrated about his poor relationship with Louis van Gaal, and whether that would block a move, Ibra said:
“At the end, I think he is a professional and I am a professional. Whoever I work with, I never have these kind of problems.
“Because at the end, I need to do my job and he needs to do his job, and I think a lot of fights would happen. But that’s something I like.”
On Monday Sky Sports ran an exclusive saying that Ibrahimovic would only move to Manchester United this summer if Van Gaal wasn’t at the club.
It is clear from his recent comments that Ibra wants to move to the Premier League, and it appears that he wants to link up again with his favorite manager Jose Mourinho.
Last month France’s Le10 Sport reported that:
‘According to the French magazine, ahead of a ‘nearly agreed’ job at Manchester United next season, José Mourinho has already started planning the transfer window, and one of the player’s he’d like to bring to the Premier League is the Swedish international.
The former Chelsea manager has apparently already called Zlatan to let him know of this plan, and the Swede, whose future at Paris Saint-Germain is still up in the air, would be interested.’
So why would signing a 34-year-old Ibrahimovic make so much sense for Manchester United?
While his wage demands are high he is available on a Bosman, making a two year deal relatively inexpensive for someone who is still one of the top strikers in Europe. Plus he has a record of winning titles and that his leadership is sorely needed in the young United dressing room.
But those are the footballing reasons for signing the striker. But it is the marketing reasons that will get United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward excited. Ibra is a big name that will satisfy his Galactico thirst. The combined brands of Manchester United and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are huge, add the Jose Mourinho brand and it’s a commercial dream.
The importance of the commercial impact of this signing cannot be overstated. Manchester City are assured of making the back pages this summer with the arrival of Pep Guardiola and his new signings.
If United land Ibrahimovic to go with Mourino they will wrestle the back pages back from their noisy neighbors.
Do you think Ibrahimovic would be a good signing for United this summer?