After looking like an inevitability earlier in the summer, the rumours of Zlatan Ibrahimovic plotting a route to Old Trafford went a little quiet before being replaced by strong undertones that Malmo – his former club – would in fact be his destination.
These were eventually put to bed, and we have since been waiting for concrete news of the Swede’s future. Following Zlatan posting his own personal reveal on social media, finally, it has recently been announced that Manchester United have indeed recently signed Ibra on a one-year deal after he left PSG following the end of his three-year contract in the French capital.
Watching from afar, you imagine that one of José Mourinho’s first priorities as Manchester United’s new boss will have been to fix their frailties in front of goal. In world football, there is hardly a better man to achieve this in the short-term than Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
A serial winner; much like his new manager, the Swede almost guarantees bringing the league title to his club, having failed to secure the domestic title only once in the last ten years, during a period in La Liga, two spells in Serie A, and most recently in Ligue 1.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will surely bring so much more to Manchester United than just his exploits in front of goal, able to represent the start of a new revolution under José Mourinho and display the intent of the club to recover their lost status as the top side in the country.
The newly re-formed partnership between Zlatan and Mourinho have even got the pair themselves frothing at the mouth. First, Ibrahimovic has said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League,” Ibrahimovic told the club’s official website.
“It goes without saying that I cannot wait to work with Jose Mourinho once again. He is a fantastic manager and I am ready for this new and exciting challenge.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career so far and have some great memories. I am now ready to create more special memories in England.”
The Portuguese manager has also been singing the praises of the latest addition to his squad:
“Zlatan needs no introduction. The statistics speak for themselves. Ibra is one of the best strikers in the world and a player who always gives 100 per cent.
“He has won the most important league championships in the world of football, now he has the opportunity to play in the best league in the world and I know he will grasp this opportunity and will work hard to help the team win titles.
“I am certain that his talent will delight fans at Old Trafford next season and that his experience will be invaluable in helping to develop the younger players in the squad.”
Furthermore, the financial implications are not insignificant, with the BBC reporting how securing the Swede’s signature would almost nullify the monetary impact of not reaching the Champions League simply through the Ibrahimovic ‘brand’.
Regardless of your club allegiances, it will be nothing short of a pleasure to watch Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Premier League next season, and here is how Twitter reacted to the news:
In a manner which Zlatan himself would be proud of, Manchester United officially announced the deal to the world…
Are you ready? It's #ZlatanTime… https://t.co/s8AsUG6VZF
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2016
The excitement amongst all members of the Old Trafford faithful was palpable…
United fans right now… #ZlatanTime https://t.co/zfZ2UraI81
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2016
Never been happier to find out something I already knew. #ZlatanTime
— Sam Homewood (@SamHomewood) July 1, 2016
He's coming for you Guardiola!! ?#WelcomeZlatan #ZlatanTime pic.twitter.com/OdLW6FS42i
— Manchester United© (@Magic_Memphis) July 1, 2016
Welcome to @ManUtd @Ibra_official can't wait to see you on the pitch as a #RedDevils #ZlatanTime
— Daniel Gonzalez (@DanielG018) July 1, 2016
An epic way of introducing an epic player #zlatantime ,welcome to the biggest club in the world! pic.twitter.com/LkzX8ZRlzN
— Chris charisma (@chrizzantos) July 1, 2016
Speechless ?? #ZlatanTime pic.twitter.com/O7NrzslPr6
— Sarah (@justsarah777) July 1, 2016
We're all happy now ?? #ZlatanTime
— Caamir_abiib (@Caamir_abiib) July 1, 2016
Eid Mubarak lads the king has arrived at Old Trafford #ZlatanTime pic.twitter.com/r9ROZWD1tN
— Abzy (@abzy931) July 1, 2016
So excited with our signings I can't wait for the first game to see how different we look after last 2 seasons. #ZlatanTime
— Makbul Saad (@makbul_saad) July 1, 2016
Future Headlines: #ZlatanTime started at Old Trafford by scoring in #FergieTime. Footygasm!
— Na5h (@Na5hit) July 1, 2016
It seems that excitement was reciprocated by the man himself…
Zlatan: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League." #ZlatanTime
— United Ways (@UtdWays) July 1, 2016
Zlatan’s world-wide appeal was clearly working its magic…
If you don't like Zlatan, you don't like football. ? #ZlatanTime
— Davidson™ (@Dahveydson) July 1, 2016
Zlatan is defenitely not one of my favorite players, but i would be so happy for both him and United if they win something big. #ZlatanTime
— DANNY?L (@DannyelRMCF) July 1, 2016
The pope knew.. #ZlatanTime https://t.co/Qp7iUZsvbv
— Jake! (@JakeAGriff) July 1, 2016
Unsurprisingly given the proximity of the two deals, no end of comparisons were made between the Ibrahimovic and Nolito deals…
City's Nolito announcement after 10 hours – 9000 RTs
United's #ZlatanTime announcement after 10 mins -26,000 RTsManchester is Red! #MUFC
— KrishMUFC (@KrishnaAnand_) July 1, 2016
That zlatan is a bigger signing than nolito? Did you need retweets to tell you this? https://t.co/betmeFu6QV
— Jordan. (@ChelseaEnigma) July 1, 2016
We can attract Zlatan and Mkhitaryan without Champions league football
Meanwhile City sign Nolito. https://t.co/ZTUxmfRNxG— Thomas (@ManLikeMata) July 1, 2016
Wait Nolito signed for City already ? When did that happen ??
I guess all the news outlets are too busying tracking Zlatan's helicopter !— Sadikshya Bhandari (@Sadikshya_) July 1, 2016
The anticipation of another star name arriving at Old Trafford to follow Zlatan was simply the icing on the cake…
its #Zlatantime today tomorrow will be Mkhitaryan
— Andrés Sandoval (@MoshoodMUFC) July 1, 2016
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Ryu Voelkel