Why Manchester United need Zlatan Ibrahimovic to stay for another season

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When Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined Manchester United last summer, on a free transfer from Paris Saint Germain, many were quick to mention his age when suggesting he wouldn’t be able to produce in the Premier League. Seven months later, the big Swede has been such a hit at Old Trafford that talk of whether he’ll remain another year has already begun.

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Having played all but one of United’s games this season, Ibrahimovic has scored 15 Premier League goals and has become the focal point of United’s attacks.

Looking at the when his goals have come, it could be said that Ibrahimovic has won 15 points for United this season, as his strikes have been the deciding factor in games, such as the club’s raw at home to Liverpool and the win away at Crystal Palace. In both these games, the 35-year-old scored in the latter stages to change the outcome of the match, scoring in the 84th and 88th minute respectively.

Ibrahimovic has scored more league goals than Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan combined. However, the former Barcelona man doesn’t just bring goals to this United side. Indeed, he has created 43 chances for his team this term, second only to record signing Paul Pogba, who has laid on 46 opportunities.

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The Red Devils have also won 58% of their league games when he’s been in the side. When he missed out, against Arsenal at Old Trafford, the Reds failed to secure a second goal and were pegged back late on by an Olivier Giroud equaliser. The 1-1 draw against Arsenal led to a frustrating row of games where United were unable to claim three points despite dominating.

Ibrahimovic has also helped inspire a run of 16 games unbeaten, stretching back to the draw against Burnley last October.

The Swede recently revealed that he has met a clause in his contract that gives him the option to stay another season. Meanwhile, Red Devils boss, Jose Mourinho, has also spoken of his desire to keep the striker at Manchester United.

The pair are known to have a strong relationship and Ibrahimovic’s experience and work with the younger members of the squad has been invaluable to the Portuguese head coach in his first season at Old Trafford.

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