Manchester United can still back out of Zlatan transfer

Manchester United appear dead set on signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but as we near the deal, we have to wonder, is it really the best idea?

I am speaking here from a position of concern. Not spite. I know that I can be harsh on what Manchester United have been doing lately, but I never want to come off as someone who just harps on their every move. I will admit that I want to see them get back to the way they used to do things, but sometimes clubs move on.

That being said, Manchester United, in particular Jose Mourinho, should probably be feeling a degree of hesitation towards this pending Zlatan move.

It is no secret that Manchester United need more goals. Last season they went through numerous droughts as their striker-less crew searched for an answer. Marcus Rashford provided goals in bursts and Martial came through in the end but they needed consistency. Rooney’s injury didn’t help either.

With Jose Mourinho taking the helm, as controversial as it was, there was one thing that was certain – he would find someone to score goals and price would not be an obstacle.

And so he turned to a long time friend who just happens to be one of the best strikers we have ever seen. Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Hard to go wrong with the Swedish Behemoth.

But the lingering fact that had to be eating away in the back of everyone’s head was whether or not Zlatan was Premier League quality at 35 years of age. He may have been able to dominate the tremendously top-heavy Ligue 1 these past few years, but there are no off days in the Premier League.

Combine that with the fact that Zlatan will not want an off day and we have to wonder.

Then there is the matter of the Euros. Granted, Zlatan didn’t have much of a supporting cast, but still. He managed one shot on target the entire time. Ireland, Belgium and Italy all shut him down. There are quite a bit of top-tier defenders spread across those three sides and Zlatan could not handle them on his own. Even when he received the ball, he was smothered.

More from The Top Flight

I know I’ve said this before, but won’t the Premier League be just like that? Maybe he can put up a hat trick against Bournemouth, but faced up against Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and most of the top half, where quality defenders are the norm, can he do it? People have even questioned if Lionel Messi could do it.

We don’t know where this deal currently sits, if it’s ready to go or what. July 1st will tell us that. But from Manchester United’s perspective, you have to wonder if they ever even looked at other options. Did they consider Aubameyang or Lacazette? Or did they just accept Zlatan and settle?

Next: James the prototypical move

Manchester United are in for a massive pickle if Zlatan doesn’t work out like they are expecting. A pickle that will look just like last year.

Home/Manchester United