Image: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is turning things around so fast at Manchester United since he joined the club’s pre-season training, scoring 4 minutes in his debut game, and getting a hold on the captain’s armband just immediately.
It’s understandable at this time, why Anthony Martial’s No. 9 was withdrawn in favor of the Swede star. A star in his class gets whatever he wants because …ehmmm…he deserves everything good.
According to reports from The Sun, Jose Mourinho has named the former PSG star a vice-captain.
This latest development makes Zlatan a de facto captain if for any reason, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick aren’t on the pitch.
The legendary striker has lots of influence on the players and management so it seems everyone gave consent to the vice-captain role bestowed on him.
According to the report, an unnamed “United insider,” told The Sun: “Some of the other lads, especially the young ones, are in awe of Zlatan.
“He brings a presence to the place and people look up to him after everything that he has achieved through his career.
“He has experience at the highest level and is seen as an obvious captain when the other lads aren’t on the pitch.”
Image shows goals scored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in each minute (Source: 101GreatGoals).
Mourinho spoke to MUTV about the talismanic forward just before the match against Galatasaray where the world-class player scored four minutes into the game with a bicycle kick. He said:
“With Zlatan you may see someone with a big ego, big self-esteem, but it is in a positive way. When he is with the group, he is humble and friendly to everyone – integration is good.
“Zlatan is a fantastic player and, immediately in training, we could feel what I call ‘functional empathy’ – people looking to him, him looking to connect with other players.
“He is an amazing link player, an amazing player. He could be anything on the pitch, not just a goalscorer.”
The Swede deserves it. He’s a born leader with great achievements to show for it. Hope he wins big and Manchester United.