Analysing Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goal-scoring display against West Ham

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Manchester United managed to make it six successive victories in the league after overcoming West Ham by a 2-0 scoreline. It wasn’t their best performance of the season, but they managed to pick up another three points and close the gap on the teams above them. They will be disappointed that their league position hasn’t changed despite six wins, but they are building momentum ahead of the second half of the season, which is important. United were helped by some poor refereeing decisions, but nevertheless they did what they had to do to get the points.

One man who has starred over the Christmas period is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He has played every minute of their last three matches, showing that he has the fitness and athleticism to deal with the English Christmas period. It is like nothing that he has had to deal with before, but he is an incredible athlete and has now proven that to the English footballing public. His contribution has remained at a high level, as he has now scored five goals and added a further three assists in his last five matches. We are beginning to see the best of the Swedish legend and he is going to be vital over the coming months as United target a top four finish.

It is the striker’s movement that is most impressive. He has clicked with the rest of his team-mates and they are now benefiting from his world class ability. Despite his quick start in England, there was always a feeling that there was more to come from him and he is showing that now. Opposition defenders find it difficult to deal with Ibrahimovic as he drops deep and makes cleverly timed runs in behind the defence. His age means that he can’t be on the move all the time, but his experience allows him to pick the right times to make a run and it highlights the class that he possesses.

He managed to secure the three points with Manchester United’s second goal of the evening after the ball fell to him and he fired past Darren Randolph. It was a powerful and convincing finish, but it should have been ruled out for offside. The referees twice ruled wrongly in Manchester United’s favour and that took the gloss of the side’s victory. They should have been receiving praise for winning six league matches in a row, but instead the focus was on the officials.

Ibrahimovic managed four shots during the game, showing that he is in a confident mood and willing to test the keeper at every opportunity. His link up play was good at times, but his pass success rate was 73%, considerably lower than the rest of the United side. This is mainly due to the Swede being closely watched by the West Ham defence and receiving the ball in more dangerous areas. That said, it is something that he will want to improve on over the coming week.

There is a fear factor surrounding Ibrahimovic at the moment as he is in great form and possesses an aura that few other players in the league have. His ability is well known and his achievements in the game precede him. Opposition players know that he remains a threat as his goal-scoring form over the last year has been frightening and it is likely to continue into 2017. Manchester United are slowly getting their own fear factor back, especially when they come up against sides outside of the top six. There are superstar names in attack and their recent form suggests that they are now delivering the performances to back up the hype. Ibrahimovic is a central figure in this revival. He may not be sticking around for the long term, but he could start a new era of Manchester United dominance.

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