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Manchester United and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a match made in heaven

By Jonathan Liebling

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 9: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of PSG celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge stadium on March 9, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 9: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of PSG celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge stadium on March 9, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /
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Zlatan didn’t join Manchester United, Manchester United joined Zlatan.

Reunited, and it feels so good! The 34-year-old Swedish international royalty has graced us on social media with his decision to join Manchester United. The pairing of Jose Mourinho and Ibrahimovic is certainly going to make for some fierce competition (and headlines).

The last time these two were paired up? Inter Milan won the league title in Serie A in 2009. This certainly shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone as rumors have been swirling around the football world since Zlatan made the announcement to leave PSG. It has been reported the Swede is undergoing his medical today.

On leaving Inter Milan to join Barcelona in 2009, Ibrahimovic said:

"“No matter how happy I was going to Barca, it was sad to leave Mourinho. That guy is special.”"

Of course, things weren’t always rainbows and butterflies between Zlatan and Mourinho. There were certainly growing pains when they first met up all those years ago. However, the two built a special bond and remained friends even after Zlatan’s move to Barcelona in 2009.

The ultimate journeyman, Ibrahimovic has lifted four different league cups in his time, including La Liga, Dutch Eredivisie, Ligue 1, and Serie A. Many commentators and pundits would say any player at his age should start to show wear and tear. But Zlatan is not just any player.

The 34-year-old legend believes he is only getting stronger and better and there is certainly merit to his claim. In his 2014 Ligue One campaign with PSG season he scored 31 goals in all competitions. In 2015? 53. In fact, that was his most goals scored in all competitions… ever.

“I came like a King. I leave like a Legend” Ibrahimovic on leaving PSG

Manchester United was a slow, and at times, boring side to watch last year. Picture a front line with speedsters Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford playing down the wings and Zlatan playing up front. That kind of pace paired with the Swede’s world class finishing abilities might make United an early favorite.

Expected to also join United shortly is Barussia Dortmund midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. United is set to dish out about $47.5 million for the 27-year-old Armenian international. For most teams, this would be a dream summer of signings.

But not for Manchester United. The most popular club in the world has also set their sights on Paul Pogba of Juventus. If successful, the United midfield will be stocked with world class target. Anchored by captain Wayne Rooney with Mkhitaryan, Pogba, and veteran Schweinsteiger alongside. Yikes.

Jose Mourinho wasted no time making his presence felt at Manchester United. The ripples began before any moves were announced in either camp. Ibrahimovic is the first marquee signing for the club this summer and I am certain it will not be the last.

As long as Zlatan approves.

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