Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Manchester United need each other

A return to Manchester United for Zlatan Ibrahimovic might be exactly what everyone needs.

When Zlatan Ibrahimovic speaks, people listen.

It was only a few weeks ago that the Swedish striker labeled himself the greatest to have ever played in Major League Soccer, prompting several (including one from this writer) think pieces on whether his claim held water. He followed that up by offering himself up as the solution to Manchester United’s current attacking problems. Predictably, much discussion followed.

“I could play easy in the Premier League, so if United needs me, I’m here,” Ibrahimovic, currently preparing for the MLS play-offs with the LA Galaxy, said in an interview. “I did my job in Europe. I enjoyed it, I have 33 trophies that I brought with me here and hopefully, I can get something here. And then we will see where that adventure finishes.”

There have been rumblings that Ibrahimovic could call time on his stint in MLS once the LA Galaxy’s playoff run comes to an end. Mino Raiola, his notoriously bullish agent, has denied rumors linking the striker with a move to Boca Juniors, but Ibrahimovic himself seems keen to stir the pot of speculation over his future. He did something similar before signing for the LA Galaxy.

So could, as the man himself insists, Ibrahimovic be the solution to Man Utd’s attacking woes? This is a man who has scored 30 times in just 29 appearances in MLS this season. He has looked sharper and sharper, more potent in front of goal, as the campaign has progressed. The 38-year-old might not be as mobile as he was even a few years ago, but his instinct for finding the back of the net has not been blunted.

So dire is United’s current situation, some have expressed regret at the club’s decision to let Marouane Fellaini leave. The Belgian was a much-maligned figure at Old Trafford, but he gave his team a different dimension. Fellaini more than proved his worth over the years as a disruptive influence to bring off the bench when in search of a late goal.

Of course, even at 38 Ibrahimovic is a more accomplished talent than Fellaini ever was, but his role in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man Utd squad would be compatible. At present, the Norwegian has no way to switch things up when Plan A isn’t working. The signing of Ibrahimovic, even on a short term basis, would provide some diversity.

As a dressing room character, Ibrahimovic would also bring something different. Man United is desperately lacking in leadership right now. That has manifested itself in many of their recent lackluster performances. Nobody is seemingly willing to front up and take responsibility for what is unfolding at Old Trafford.

Ibrahimovic demonstrated in his first spell at United just how strong he can be as a leader. In particular, the Swede was a mentor to Paul Pogba, a personality who needs strong people around him to thrive. Solskjaer needs allies in the Old Trafford dressing room right now and Ibrahimovic would be a powerful one.

“If he was 28, not 38 next month it would be a big difference,” Solskjaer responded when speculation linking Ibrahimovic with United was raised. “But Zlatan has had a great time here and, of course, he is still doing well and was unfortunate he got his injury here when he did. So, who knows? He knows my number. He never rented my house but he was looking at it, and we can speak our native language. If he’s serious I’ll always speak to Zlatan.”

Solskjaer should at least have a conversation with the former Barcelona, Inter and PSG man. Ibrahimovic would be the most temporary of stop-gap solutions but would improve United’s current options. Signing a goalscorer in January will be difficult. Ibrahimovic should be considered among the options.