Zlatan Ibrahimovic Opens Up About His Time at Manchester United and Playing Under Jose Mourinho
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has shared his experiences playing for Manchester United and working with manager Jose Mourinho in a recent interview. The Swede, now 42, signed for the Red Devils in 2016 at the age of 35, moving from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. Although his time at Old Trafford was cut short due to an injury, Ibrahimovic reflected on his time at the club, revealing some interesting insights.
Feeling like "Just a Number"
During his interview with The Athletic, Ibrahimovic expressed his sense of disconnection from the club and its history. He felt like "just a number" at United, which didn’t align with his desire to make his own mark. He continued, "I was not interested in what happened before, with all respect. That brings pressure to live up to what they were used to. But I was not interested in listening to the Class of ’92. That doesn’t help me because it’s not my team and I wanted to do my own history."
Mourinho’s Influence
Mourinho, who was instrumental in signing Ibrahimovic, played a significant role in his success at United. The two had previously worked together at Inter Milan, and Ibrahimovic praised his "machine-like" approach to training and management. He stated, "Jose was a machine. He brings the best out of you. He’s that person—manipulative. He knows how to get in your head. He knows how to treat you, independent of your level."
Proving the Doubters Wrong
Ibrahimovic revealed that he was driven to prove his critics wrong during his time at United, with many doubting his ability to succeed at 35. He scored 29 goals in 53 appearances, winning both the Europa League and League Cup. "I was 35. I came to England. People said I’m too old, I should retire, blah blah blah. But this triggers me. This—I will prove you wrong," he said.
Key Takeaways
Ibrahimovic’s time at Manchester United, although brief, was marked by both success and frustration. His desire to create his own history and prove his doubters wrong drove him to achieve despite the challenges he faced. Mourinho, an experienced and demanding manager, was instrumental in his success.
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