Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Manchester United – 5 reasons why it could happen

Zlatan joined Manchester United as a free agent in 2016, and immediately stuck a chord with the United fans by scoring the winning goal against Leicester City to clinch the Community Shield for United. Zlatan went on to score 29 goals in 59 appearances for United before injuries ultimately played spoilsport, and he moved on to play in MLS for LA Galaxy for the 2018 season.

Zlatan has already scored 15 goals in 19 appearances for Galaxy this season, with another 5 assists to his name and looks to be in fine form. He seems to have fully recovered from his injury as well.

Zlatan recently revealed in an interview with MUTV that he regrets not having joined United earlier. When United were in the United States for their preseason, Zlatan did drop in to meet his old mates. It was here that he revealed that something special was going to happen this season. Initially, United fans would have thought that the hint was for a big summer signing, but with the transfer business falling flat, Zlatan’s comments did get a few fans thinking.

If Zlatan re-joined United in the winter transfer window, it would definitely be something big. Yet there will also be concerns, especially since the Premier League is more competitive than the MLS.

Now, The Express reports that Zlatan could join Manchester United on loan in the January transfer window, at the end of the MLS season. And here are 5 reasons why the deal could actually happen.

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#5 He has unfinished business at Old Trafford

Zlatan could return to Manchester United to continue where he left off in his first season

Zlatan finished his first season at United with 28 goals. United won the Community Shield, the EFL Cup and the Europa League and Zlatan was pivotal in the run up to those trophies. However, his injury caused him to sit out on a season when he was about to be United’s first player to cross 30 goals in a season in quite a few years.

It would have put him among a legendary rank of United strikers, yet the milestone eluded him by a whisker. Also, Zlatan is yet to win a Champions League and coming back to United could give him another shot at the premier European club tournament.

Although none of those achievements are guaranteed upon joining United, it is hard not to see that Zlatan has unfinished business at Old Trafford. He was adored by the fans and he had a character fit for Old Trafford. Due to the unfortunate turn of events that led to his departure, United fans were unable to bit him farewell. Manchester United deserve to be reunited with Zlatan.

#4 His arrival would be a morale booster for the squad

Zlatan single handedly won Manchester United the Carabao Cup and Community Shield

Zlatan, in his short time at United, established himself as a leader. He was influential in the dressing room too, and United do not have such a character in their ranks now. Zlatan’s return could give United a high voltage lift not just on the pitch, but also in the training grounds and the dressing room. His presence will motivate players, it will make them feel unbeaten.

His influence could be quite similar to the signing of Henrikh Larsson, Zlatan’s international teammate, on loan in the 2007/08 season. Even though he scored only 3 goals in 13 appearances for United, Larsson was instrumental in United’s title winning run and earned special praise from Sir Alex, who even said that the club would have done anything to extend the Swede’s stay at Old Trafford.

Another factor which could bolster Zlatan’s return could be the special relation he shares with Mourinho. The Special One trusts Zlatan a lot and with flavours of his 3rd season syndrome already in the air, Mourinho could be helped by the presence of his trusted lieutenant at his side.

#3 Zlatan won't cost United a fortune

Getting Zlatan might not put a dent in Manchester United's pockets

The cost of a quality signing in the current transfer market is very steep. The cost of a proven Premier League striker will definitely be off the charts. The recently concluded transfer business hints that United's valuation of players might vary from the actual valuation of the market. In short, United are wary of spending huge amounts on players on a whim.

In such a scenario, Zlatan comes as a blessing. There will be no steep transfer negotiations, there will be no prolonged discussions. A loan deal makes everything simpler and yes, he will require a huge salary, but in return, Manchester United will be getting someone who is used to the United way, who will be a statement signing and who is proven in the Premier League.

#2 United will benefit from Zlatan's Experience

Zlatan had a great influence on his teammates during his time at United

In his playing career, Zlatan has featured for 10 clubs since his debut and he has scored goals at all of them. He is the only player who has won 12 championships in 4 leagues, and also has score a goal in every minute of the game. He has scored goals in the 4 of the biggest games of four leagues - Derby della Madonnina in Italy, El Clasico in Spain, Manchester Derby in England, and Le Classique in France.

He has won the Guldbollen - the award for the Best Male Swedish Footballer of the year - a record 11 times. Manchester United would be all the wiser with his experience in the team. The youngsters would be greatly benefited, and Zlatan could be a vital player for United on the pitch with his wealth of experience. Besides, his relationship with Paul Pogba is extremely good, and with the Frenchman on the rise this season, Zlatan's arrival could be beneficial for him as well.

#1 United do not have too many No. 9s

Zlatan will give Manchester United goals

United only have Romelu Lukaku to lead the line as a proper No. 9 right now. Even though Rashford and Martial are both capable, neither of them have shown any reliability as a main striker, preferring instead to run into the box from the wings. Sanchez was phenomenal leading the line in the preseason, but he does not have the physical strength to bully defenders and even he is more effective from the left.

Zlatan, in such a case, would be just what the doctor ordered for Manchester United. Zlatan was only the 4th player to score 14 goals in his first 20 Premier League games, joining a elite group of strikers. He was the 4th quickest to 15 Premier League goals for Manchester United.

He played a total of 748 club games in his career, scoring 436 goals. He scored another 62 goals for Sweden in international games. United would not get a better back up to Lukaku in the market at present.