Zlatan may not be done at Old Trafford 12 Jun 2017 13:03

A look at the possibility that Zlatan Ibrahimovi? may still have a part to play in José Mourinho’s rebuilding of United.

By Frank Mead, Editor

Following Manchester United’s announcement that Zlatan Ibrahimovi? has not been retained at Old Trafford, the club are now actively seeking a replacement for the Swedish maverick. The injury he sustained in the Europa League against Anderlecht in April curtailed his season, and effectively ensured he will probably not play again this year.

It is debatable whether he would have stayed at United had that injury not taken place, and it was a cruel way to finish a debut season in which he had been so impressive. Following the announcement, social media was alive with posts thanking the striker for his contribution, and wishing him well for the future.

For someone to score 28 goals in their debut season in England is remarkable. To do it at the age of 35 is just incredible, and it didn’t take long for United fans to come up with one of their legendary chants in his honour. It is very possible, however, that events may unfold in a way that sees Ibrahimovi? once again don the red shirt at Old Trafford.

Rehabilitation

Following the injury that finished his season, Ibrahimovi? immediately flew to the USA, where he had a successful surgery. The doctors were so impressed by his physique that they stated that they wanted him to come back once he retires, so they can use him for research. You get the impression that they weren’t joking, and also wonder how Ibrahimovi? reacted to that news. He probably advised them “Zlatan is no guinea pig!”

Despite the fact that United have let him go, Ibrahimovi? will continue his rehabilitation at the club’s Carrington training ground. This seems only fair, as it was while playing for the club that he sustained what could have been a career ending injury. He will get the best possible treatment, giving him a great chance of coming back as good as before. Because Ibrahimovi? has never relied on pace in his game, and has looked after his body the way he has, you wouldn’t bet against him making a full recovery.

Release

Some have muted that it is a bit harsh to let Ibrahimovi? go when he is recovering from such an injury. It certainly might seem like that but to do anything else would, from a business point of view, be a disaster.

The Swedish striker is earning somewhere in the region of £300,000 a week, depending on which article you read. Why should United throw away that sort of money to someone who cannot play for around six months? It is not as though he is going to struggle to feed the kids, based on what he has earned in his career so far.

Down the Line

Think back to last season, where Manchester United suffered some serious injuries, particularly in defence. It is estimated that it will be January before Ibrahimovi? can return to action, and by then the wear and tear of the Premier League and Champions League will have started to take their toll. If United offered him a deal until the end of the season, they will have retained the services of one of the world’s great strikers, but saved themselves half a year of paying his quite considerable salary.

United have continued to be linked with several strikers in recent weeks, but whoever does come in can suffer injury just as much as the next person. You also have to take into account that, especially if they are coming in from abroad, they may struggle in settle straight away. Plenty of players over the years have become good after an initial bedding in period.

So when January comes around, United may need, or just want, to add a striker to their squad. If that is the case, they may not need to look further than their own treatment table. The beauty of that would be that United’s medical staff will know exactly how fit he is, having been the ones who got him there.

There are so many positive effects that such a move could have, for all parties. There is no doubt that Zlatan Ibrahimovi? had a great influence on the squad last season. Players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial can only have learned from such a consummate professional. His popularity among his team mates was clear to see when United lifted the Europa League last month. Even if United are just boosting squad numbers, bringing him back into the fold would most likely give the squad a massive lift.

Think of the positives for the player as well. If he does have a future at Old Trafford, it most probably won’t be a long term one. But he will want to get back into the game, as he already stated he is far from finished. It would give him the opportunity to put himself in the shop window. Mourinho is a manager who usually takes all cup competitions seriously, and if we are in the latter stages of the League Cup, for example, with the F.A. Cup about to start, Ibrahimovi? could find himself with plenty of game time. He would have plenty of chances to impress potential suitors.

The Trophy Hunt

If he did sign a new deal once fit, it might give him a crack at winning two trophies that are missing from his collection. Hopefully United will still be in the Champions League by the end of the year, which despite his club C.V. looking like a who’s who of footballing superclubs, is one prize which has evaded the Swede thus far.

Then there is the Premier League title. It is too early to say whether United will have a genuine challenge for this, or whether they will be also-rans. The haters will no doubt say we don’t have a chance. Well look where Chelsea finished a year ago, and how many times our current manager has won it. Nobody is saying United are favourites, far from it. In fact, until all the top six clubs have completed their summer transfer business, nobody can realistically predict who has the best chance.

Final Thought

It might just be a pipe dream, and Zlatan Ibrahimovi? may have kicked his last ball for Manchester United. If that is the case, he will be remembered fondly by all United fans. Far from being a club legend, he can definitely be classed as an icon.

The fact remains, however, that even though he becomes a free agent on July 1^st, he will remain at the club to complete his recovery. While that is the case, there is every possibility he will swap the training kit for a first team sometime next season. The Zlatan Ibrahimovi? story may still have a few more chapters to play out at Old Trafford.

If circumstances permit, our Swedish hero, who cost us f***ing zero, might still be getting the reds excited next season.