[Janson]

First of all, its not as I'm saying I'm 100% sure this will happen. But there is a risk in my opinion some young players won't be able to flourish if Zlatan stays too long. He has got a big personality and takes a lot of room. And he can pretty harsh if someone threatens his position. That's how he works. For me, it comes down to how good he is. He is not a Roy Keane that can be an OK player but still lift the team with his mentality and presence on the pitch. He need to be number one.

Adrien Rabiot, Douglas Costa is examples of young players Zlatan has had problems with. Cavani is another example of a player that wasn't able to be as good as he could be with Zlatan in the team. In that case it's mostly because they play in the same position. Zlatan himself couldn't be the best he could be when playing with Barca with Messi in the team, because he couldn't express his personality and game like he wanted to. That's how it works. You have to let people express their game and personalities to flourish. If a young player have a big ego you have to let him express that. Zlatan wouldn't in my opinion.

Zlatan get along with nice players because they nicely let him be number one but if there come another ego that threatens his position there will be problems. Zlatan wouldn't come along with another young Zlatan for example.

I just have to say I like Ibra and I understand why he is like he is. He is, for me, one of three best players the world have seen the last decade. But I'm just being honest. The moment he becomes number two in the hierarchy it's time to let him go and let other players take room and place on and outside the pitch.

What do you mean harsh, on who? He's not picking himself to start, Mourinho is. If someone is good enough to threaten his position then that person should take his place, but it's not likely that's gonna happen until he leaves, given he continues to perform. The only problem I can see is the fact that we have to accomodate him with players around him that suit his style. But then again, he's our best player so we have to play to our strengths.

Cavani was the inferior player, no way he should ever have taken Ibra's place. When you have Zlatan in your team, you have to let him be the main man, and I agree, for that reason some players that don't suit the way he plays will be held back. I don't even know why Barca bought him if they were gonna use him like they did. But that's all down to Pep's inflexiblity as a manager.

If another ego comes along, that's down to Mourinho to sort it out. And if someone better comes along, he shouldn't be the main man anymore, but that's not likely to happen in the time he will be here.

In terms of being a leader you can ask his former teammates and all the great managers he played for if he is or not.

 

[Janson]

Very funny. Until you realise its mostly a way of defending his ego and the funnieness is just a disguise. He just never relaxes haha. Same with the comments to Pogba. Its never about being funny. Theres an underlying serious side of those comments. "When the lion relax, the cats come"

He shouldnt stay too long. Maybe only this season and then it's time to let Rashford, Pogba and Martial take over IMO. And stop with this leader bullshit. He's not. At most they can learn how to take care of their training and take the game serious. Because at that he is unmatched.

There's so much wrong in this post, not even close to the truth. Sorry to dissapoint you but he most probably will be here next season and still play 90 min in every match in the league and other important games. Rashford is in no way ready to take that responsibility.

 

[Janson]

Haha, sorry. I mean Coman of course. He has had problem with many players that don't let him be the untouchable number one. In Comans case it was an rather small arguement but i think he even said in an interview that Zlatan only cares about himself and not young players.

What about all the other young players that said they are learning a lot from him? If Coman had an argument with him then of course he's gonna have a go at Zlatan spouting bullshit.

 

[Sparky10Legend]

Since what, 2 weeks ago?

There does,of course, come a point in every athletes life where the slope downhill suddenly becomes steeper (Federer aside).

So yeah, age and a bloody tough schedule/competitive league may be finally besting him. Not to say he wont get goals but still.......

 

[Ashley R1+O]

I came away thinking he was quite poor. But then I watched the replay tonight and in the second half he was actually really good with his holdup play (link up play still is a very hit and miss affair) and vital at keeping us on the ball in the oppositions half.

Does anyone else find it a bit bizarre that there are some users who are essentially telling people in here that they aren't allowed to think individually about his performance and express their opinion? Then using it as a point of high ground to argue about how outraged they are that people have a different opinion to them?

If he has a poor game, I don't really understand why people shouldn't be allowed to express their opinion, browbeating them into feeling a certain way won't erase the fact that he has missed some key chances and there is a genuine concern about some of his linkup play and finishing. Especially that ball he should have headed into the net.

 

[Kamprad]

What do you mean harsh, on who? He's not picking himself to start, Mourinho is. If someone is good enough to threaten his position then that person should take his place, but it's not likely that's gonna happen until he leaves, given he continues to perform. The only problem I can see is the fact that we have to accomodate him with players around him that suit his style. But then again, he's our best player so we have to play to our strengths.

Cavani was the inferior player, no way he should ever have taken Ibra's place. When you have Zlatan in your team, you have to let him be the main man, and I agree, for that reason some players that don't suit the way he plays will be held back. I don't even know why Barca bought him if they were gonna use him like they did. But that's all down to Pep's inflexiblity as a manager.

If another ego comes along, that's down to Mourinho to sort it out. And if someone better comes along, he shouldn't be the main man anymore, but that's not likely to happen in the time he will be here.

In terms of being a leader you can ask his former teammates and all the great managers he played for if he is or not.

I mean if someone, doesn't matter if it's a young player or not, tries to inflict his areas or argue with him, he won't be nice. A big ego that argue with Zlatan will be put down. Fortunately not many teammates have done that. And United should be glad Pogba let Ibra do his thing. A pogba with a big ego at the moment would cause problems. Trust me. A little bit like Suarez and Neymar is letting Messi be number one at Barca. Imagine those two being like Zlatan. Wouldn't work long term. And it didn't with Zlatan and Messi. It had not just to do with them playing in the same position. Actually they didn't at the start of the season. This was the season Messi asked Pep to move him from the wing to the central position.

Yes, Cavani was inferior. And Ibra was inferior to Messi. You're right it's up to Mourinho to decide when it time to let Ibra go. All I'm saying is he should do that as soon as he becomes number two. He is not the same player if he doesn't decide things on and off the pitch. Agree he is still number one. He could still be number one in the whole league as far as I'm concerned.

There's so much wrong in this post, not even close to the truth. Sorry to dissapoint you but he most probably will be here next season and still play 90 min in every match in the league and other important games. Rashford is in no way ready to take that responsibility.

I wouldn't mind Zlatan being here. Only reason I follow United closely. And I always want him to succeed. It's clear he say and do those things to establish himself as untouchable. The only wrong in my post that I'd like to take back is I still find many of the things he does as funny. Although this statement about Mcgregor and Maywether was made up by el Mundo according to Zlatans PR-agent.

What about all the other young players that said they are learning a lot from him? If Coman had an argument with him then of course he's gonna have a go at Zlatan spouting bullshit.

It's not a matter of black or white. He had great influence on many players, including Verratti for example. And I understand why. As I said, he lift his teams and is a leader in some ways. But that is as long as he is number one. And as long as younger, inferior, players is nice and let him be number one. He is not a Roy Keane that can be an inferior player and still lift his teams and give room for other big egos.

 

[Janson]

I came away thinking he was quite poor. But then I watched the replay tonight and in the second half he was actually really good with his holdup play (link up play still is a very hit and miss affair) and vital at keeping us on the ball in the oppositions half.

Does anyone else find it a bit bizarre that there are some users who are essentially telling people in here that they aren't allowed to think individually about his performance and express their opinion? Then using it as a point of high ground to argue about how outraged they are that people have a different opinion to them?

If he has a poor game, I don't really understand why people shouldn't be allowed to express their opinion, browbeating them into feeling a certain way won't erase the fact that he has missed some key chances and there is a genuine concern about some of his linkup play and finishing. Especially that ball he should have headed into the net.

There's no problem with people critisizing, it's just that some go way over the top when it isn't called for. Not strange really since some of the same people are Martial fanboys who feel Zlatan is the reason for taking away game time from him, stealing his shirt number and so on.

 

[Dobbs]

Does anyone else find it a bit bizarre that there are some users who are essentially telling people in here that they aren't allowed to think individually about his performance and express their opinion? Then using it as a point of high ground to argue about how outraged they are that people have a different opinion to them?

Oh it's bizarre but not unique. We had it with the Rooney thread as well.

Any Zlatan discussion is almost pointless. If your opinion isn't unadulterated praise the same three or four posters will charge in with overly sensitive defensiveness. It's bogs down any genuine debate.

Just take a look at the last few pages. Any comment that isn't gushing is met with attempts at distraction or just outright falsehoods. Kellyanne Conway couldn't do a better job.

 

[fellaini's barber]

Said it before, said it again, this thread is getting more and more like Rooney's thread under LVG, all that's left is the use of 'agenda poster' for anyone who critcises him.
If we go into next season with him as our main striker we'll be struggling for 4th place at best once more especially if all our rivals have seasons similar to this one. He's a good footballer playing 90 mins every game,he'll always get goals and assists, but he's too inconsistent for us to challenge for top honours with him as our main striker. It's not a criticism it's just a fact, don't know why it's so hard for some people to accept it when others say it.

 

[Zlaatan]

No dropping, no freekicks, no penalties, no playmaking. He was supposed to stay upfront.

My point is that having seen what he's about now on a consistent basis, i can understand why Pep wouldn't allow him to do any of those things.

Perhaps the reasons why he didn't do it for Barcelona were a bit different?
First of all he was much more of a classical nr.9 back then. It would also make no sense whatsoever for him to drop deep to start an attack or to distribute the ball in that team since they had other guys who could do it arguably better than anyone in history. He did take freekicks for Barca though and scored quite a few nice ones as well.

If you would take a look at Sweden 2011-2016 and PSG during his spell there you would hardly question the managers decision to let him do those things since it made both teams vastly better and more dangerous.

 

[Janson]

Oh it's bizarre but not unique. We had it with the Rooney thread as well.

Any Zlatan discussion is almost pointless. If your opinion isn't unadulterated praise the same three or four posters will charge in with overly sensitive defensiveness. It's bogs down any genuine debate.

Just take a look at the last few pages. Any comment that isn't gushing is met with attempts at distraction or just outright falsehoods. Kellyanne Conway couldn't do a better job.

It only happens because of uncalled for over the top posts, just look at the ones Grunge quoted on the last page. The moaning in the Martial thread is way way worse, I mean the guy scored 2-3 goals all season while the player who carried us the whole time with 20 goals and what 8 assists or something has an overall good performance called disgraceful and dogshit is truly ridiculous.

 

[Zlaatan]

Very funny. Until you realise its mostly a way of defending his ego and the funnieness is just a disguise. He just never relaxes haha. Same with the comments to Pogba. Its never about being funny. Theres an underlying serious side of those comments. "When the lion relax, the cats come"

He shouldnt stay too long. Maybe only this season and then it's time to let Rashford, Pogba and Martial take over IMO. And stop with this leader bullshit. He's not. At most they can learn how to take care of their training and take the game serious. Because at that he is unmatched.

He sees himself as top dog, no denying that. But pretty much every single interview I've seen from his former team mates suggests that you are terribly wrong about him.

You also have no idea whether he is a leader or not and again the people who have played with him disagree with you. Just look at what the PSG players have said this season about him not being in the team anymore.

 

[Ixion]

Said it before, said it again, this thread is getting more and more like Rooney's thread under LVG

Except when Rooney was playing as a striker he had about 2 goals in the league by Christmas and Zlatan is nearing 20 so there's no comparison at all.

 

[Bruno8]

Still doing well although he is now showing his age. Tends to walk around most of the time, doesn't stretch the defence that much with movement, lazy to head the ball

He can stay next season but Marcus or a new striker with pace is required so that the team has better movement upfront.

 

[Pexbo]

Except when Rooney was playing as a striker he had about 2 goals in the league by Christmas and Zlatan is nearing 20 so there's no comparison at all.

Yup

 

[Striker10]

Decent last game baring the finishing. He's so strong when he sets his mind on attacking the defender - that he can still run through a defensive line. Some bad misses though - he could be on close to 30 by now.

 

[Dobbs]

It only happens because of uncalled for over the top posts, just look at the ones Grunge quoted on the last page. The moaning in the Martial thread is way way worse, I mean the guy scored 2-3 goals all season while the player who carried us the whole time with 20 goals and what 8 assists or something has an overall good performance called disgraceful and dogshit is truly ridiculous.

No its because you have a distorted appreciation for one particular player. Which leads to your silly claim that criticism of Zlatan comes from "Martial fanboys." That kind of talk does nothing for debate.

 

[addo]

Wow, its great having a United striker competing for PL top striker again!.. or?

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Except when Rooney was playing as a striker he had about 2 goals in the league by Christmas and Zlatan is nearing 20 so there's no comparison at all.

 

[Dobbs]

Except when Rooney was playing as a striker he had about 2 goals in the league by Christmas and Zlatan is nearing 20 so there's no comparison at all.

Pretty sure @fellaini's barber wasn't comparing the two players. They're obviously miles apart.

He's comparing the contributions from three or four posters from the respective threads.

 

[Janson]

I mean if someone, doesn't matter if it's a young player or not, tries to inflict his areas or argue with him, he won't be nice. A big ego that argue with Zlatan will be put down. Fortunately not many teammates have done that. And United should be glad Pogba let Ibra do his thing. A pogba with a big ego at the moment would cause problems. Trust me. A little bit like Suarez and Neymar is letting Messi be number one at Barca. Imagine those two being like Zlatan. Wouldn't work long term. And it didn't with Zlatan and Messi. It had not just to do with them playing in the same position. Actually they didn't at the start of the season. This was the season Messi asked Pep to move him from the wing to the central position.

Yes, Cavani was inferior. And Ibra was inferior to Messi. You're right it's up to Mourinho to decide when it time to let Ibra go. All I'm saying is he should do that as soon as he becomes number two. He is not the same player if he doesn't decide things on and off the pitch. Agree he is still number one. He could still be number one in the whole league as far as I'm concerned.

Theoretically it could be a problem, but since it hasn't before, why would it now?
And if there would be a problem, it's the managers job to solve. His ego is warranted since he has been one of the top strikers in the world for many years.

Yes Ibra was inferior to Messi but why did Pep buy Ibra then if he intended to use him that way? I'm sure a more flexible/better manager could have made it work for them to play together. Or not bought him in the first place if he doesn't fit into his system. I agree, either he shouldn't be first choice or let go if he declines or someone better comes in alternatively Rashford/Martial if they get to a high level, but that's highly unlikely.

I wouldn't mind Zlatan being here. Only reason I follow United closely. And I always want him to succeed. It's clear he say and do those things to establish himself as untouchable. The only wrong in my post that I'd like to take back is I still find many of the things he does as funny. Although this statement about Mcgregor and Maywether was made up by el Mundo according to Zlatans PR-agent.

And he has earned to be untouchable and have top dog status. On that quote about Mcgregor/Mayweather, I haven't heard or know anything about.

It's not a matter of black or white. He had great influence on many players, including Verratti for example. And I understand why. As I said, he lift his teams and is a leader in some ways. But that is as long as he is number one. And as long as younger, inferior, players is nice and let him be number one. He is not a Roy Keane that can be an inferior player and still lift his teams and give room for other big egos.

That could be true about Keane comparison, but what's wrong with him being nr 1. He's been the best player everywhere he played bar Barca so that status as top dog is warranted. And the young players should be nice to him, he has the experience to teach the youngsters a thing or two. It's not like he's some kind of dictator that will terrorise them or something. He always had a great relationship with teammates everywhere he went. Even at Barca, he said he had a good bond with the players and even Messi, the only one he had a problem with was Pep.

 

[AltiUn]

Few indications he's considering leaving at the end of the season, said he's keeping his options open; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38951638

Most are speculating this has to do with CL football but I think personally he's going to wait and see what happens with Griezmann, there's no way he'll want to spend potentially his last year of top-level football playing second fiddle.

 

[VP89]

Few indications he's considering leaving at the end of the season, said he's keeping his options open; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38951638

Most are speculating this has to do with CL football but I think personally he's going to wait and see what happens with Griezmann, there's no way he'll want to spend potentially his last year of top-level football playing second fiddle.

I don't think he'd play second fiddle if Antoine joined. Can see Griezmann either a as number 10 or in Martial's position if he joined, just to accommodate Zlatan for that final year.

 

[Janson]

No its because you have a distorted appreciation for one particular player. Which leads to your silly claim that criticism of Zlatan comes from "Martial fanboys." That kind of talk does nothing for debate.

No, my claim comes from actually checking the same posters contribution to the Martial thread and yes it tends to be those who keep moaning about his exclusion who also come here to spout hateful and bitter remarks, when it's uncalled for.

Can you give me any examples of any of my posts that suggest I have a distorted appreciation?

 

[Pexbo]

I don't think he'd play second fiddle if Antoine joined. Can see Griezmann either a as number 10 or in Martial's position if he joined, just to accommodate Zlatan for that final year.

More likely taking Mata's position on the right:

Ibra
Martial - Mkhi - Griezmann
​

Mkhitaryan and Griezmann could give the fullback and centre backs a lot of fun switching positions.

 

[Kamprad]

Theoretically it could be a problem, but since it hasn't before, why would it now?
And if there would be a problem, it's the managers job to solve. His ego is warranted since he has been one of the top strikers in the world for many years.

Yes Ibra was inferior to Messi but why did Pep buy Ibra then if he intended to use him that way? I'm sure a more flexible/better manager could have made it work for them to play together. Or not bought him inte first place if he doesn't fit into his system. I agree, either he shouldn't be first choice or let go if he declines or someone better comes in alternatively Rashford/Martial if they get to a high level, but that's highly unlikely.


And he has earned to be untouchable and have top dog status. On that quote about Mcgregor/Mayweather, I haven't heard or know anything about.



That could be true about Keane comparison, but what's wrong with him being nr 1. He's been the best player everywhere he played bar Barca so that status as top dog is warranted. And the young players should be nice to him, he has the experience to teach the youngsters a thing or two. It's not like he's some kind of dictator that will terrorise them or something. He always had a great relationship with teammates everywhere he went. Even at Barca, he said he had a good bond with the players and even Messi, the only one he had a problem with was Pep.

The problem is that many players grow with responsibility. Younger players will grow if they can express themselves on and outside the pitch. My main issue with Zlatan is he thinks he is the lion and if he relaxes and give the cats to much room they will hurt his ego. And he know he need his confident ego to perform. He's probably right. But he is not a leader in that sense. It still makes younger, inferior, players grow much less. Especially if they are offensive players with big egos. It's not black or white though. We have players like Cassano, Boateng, Veratti where they got better around Zlatan. But that is as long as he is number one without question. Just because players don't say things in interviews it doesn't mean its not true. I think a lot of players have had issues with Zlatan but they keep quiet. That's what I mean. You probably won't agree. But that's my opinion.

It has caused problems everywhere where he hasn't been the clear number one. In Ajax, in Barcelona, in the national team at the beginning. You can see it in that documentary from his time in Malmö how the older players is clearly having problem with Zlatan. Maybe not in Juventus as much. But it is, as you say, important to have a coach that know how to handle those issues and I think Capello was good in that sense. And also its the only club where Zlatan could accept not being the top dog in the beginning. It think it will cause problems at United if Zlatan isnt the clear number one. If Martial and Pogba feel they can start taking more space and room. Or maybe he can accept that and back down. But I don't think so. That is if he doesn't leave as soon as he starts declining. If he is just a good player, and not number one, he shouldn't stay IMO.

 

[unitedforeveral]

Let's get this straight; Ibra is by no means "at his peak"; at least not in terms of physical condition & therefore not in terms of his pace or quickness over a short burst. That time probably came a few years ago prior to his time at PSG. Age has definitely slowed him down.

Now for some "howevers" - One cannot argue with his scoring prowess this season, regardless of his current physical condition he consistent;y finds the net.
- For a man who's been on the planet 35 years he appears to be as fit as many professional footballers much younger then he.
- He may well be at his "peak" in terms of nous or putting his experience to good use; though one could argue that will continue to peak with age?
- His drive to succeed still seems to be almost OTT, is that peaking? Arguable, but he might have been even hungrier when younger?

Are we then pleasantly surprised by his performance? 'course we are!
I was expecting him to be very good just based on watching him perform over the past few years regardless of who he played for.
I expected him to be an "impact player" playing for the first 60 minutes and being subbed by our youngsters or even coming on after 60 minutes to face tired teams
I expected we would need Martial & Rashford far more than we have - but believe they will both learn tons from Ibra's example and will consistently deliver in time

The reality is that he's "smart" enough to last 90 minutes. That imho is remarkable!

He may not have pace, but certainly knows how to pace himself.

So no, he's not "at his peak" and much as I would have loved him to have joined us years ago, we have him now and that makes me very happy.

Of course he is not at his peak but you are right, he has better and more qualities than any other in our team. I mean Rooney is a complete player but he declined, Zlatan didn't! If you compare the 2, Zlatan is doing much better now. Secondly, Zlatan on his day can score many many goals and provide beautiful assists but on an off day he could provide many many more and take less. That's Zlatan for you! He might not score every now and then but he is always a threat on the pitch and on the ball, with the young guys running around him and long ball arsenal of Pogba, it is working out well. Regardless of who says what about Zlatan's performance against Watford, i still think he got deeper because he did not see people being able to create. He can move deep and create, Martial or MkhiT has to cover for him. The young boys need time beside him to learn his ways and they're finally learning. Mata MkhiT combo along with Martial and Zlatan is great and it is only going to improve immensely.

 

[VP89]

More likely taking Mata's position on the right:

Ibra
Martial - Mkhi - Griezmann
​

Mkhitaryan and Griezmann could give the fullback and centre backs a lot of fun switching positions.

The way Mata is playing, he's undroppable. It will be interesting to see how Mourinho juggles it, but there are more than enough games for all 5 of them to play together. Although by counting 5 I'm excluding Rashford.

 

[AltiUn]

I don't think he'd play second fiddle if Antoine joined. Can see Griezmann either a as number 10 or in Martial's position if he joined, just to accommodate Zlatan for that final year.

No chance of that happening now IMO, he'll be playing striker or we won't sign him at all. We're even less likely to play him at number 10 now Mkhitaryan is playing out of his mind there, looks to have gone up a level.

 

[VP89]

No chance of that happening now IMO, he'll be playing striker or we won't sign him at all. We're even less likely to play him at number 10 now Mkhitaryan is playing out of his mind there, looks to have gone up a level.

They are all fluid, interchangable players though. A trio of Mkhitaryan Mata and Griezmann behind Zlatan can often switch around during games and would be in line with the flexibility Jose has given the quartet up front.

Griezmann would also get a few slots at CF as I don't expect Zlatan to play every game at 36 and I'm sure he wouldn't either. Genuinely I think he'd accept a lesser role if he knows he has a real chance at the English title and Champions League.

 

[AltiUn]

They are all fluid, interchangable players though. A trio of Mkhitaryan Mata and Griezmann behind Zlatan can often switch around during games and would be in line with the flexibility Jose has given the quartet up front.

Griezmann would also get a few slots at CF as I don't expect Zlatan to play every game at 36 and I'm sure he wouldn't either. Genuinely I think he'd accept a lesser role if he knows he has a real chance at the English title and Champions League.

But would Mourinho immediately bench Martial after such recent showings of public backing? (the rest of the squad have been backing him too) I don't think so. The only player I can see him potentially replacing is Mata and even then I'm not so sure, Mourinho obviously places a lot of trust in Mata and those sort of players are invaluable to Jose after the sort of politics that went on at Madrid and Chelsea.

I fully believe that Ibra does want to play every minute of every game, hence Mourinho's reluctance to bench him. No need to cause friction but when Griezmann comes in (big if) then that's an entirely different story.

Also we're a long way of competing for the CL.

 

[RedPnutz]

With all the dickheads that complain about everything all the fecking time even Cantona would have been ridiculed regularly if he was here now.

I hate them all.

This. Fans have no patience with players at all. No leeway is given for mistake or form dips. Players are either fantastic or frauds.

 

[Janson]

But would Mourinho immediately bench Martial after such recent showings of public backing? (the rest of the squad have been backing him too) I don't think so. The only player I can see him potentially replacing is Mata and even then I'm not so sure, Mourinho obviously places a lot of trust in Mata and those sort of players are invaluable to Jose after the sort of politics that went on at Madrid and Chelsea.

I fully believe that Ibra does want to play every minute of every game, hence Mourinho's reluctance to bench him. No need to cause friction but when Griezmann comes in (big if) then that's an entirely different story.

Also we're a long way of competing for the CL.

I'm not so sure of that. There have been situations in the past (at Inter) where Zlatan was begging several times to be subed because of tiredness and Mourinho refused every time. And later in that game he went on to score, twice i think. It came to the point where Zlatan threw up after the game because of tiredness.

 

[Ainu]

He's still a good player but not among the elite strikers anymore in my opinion. Should we have a realistic shot at getting an elite striker, such as Griezmann, we should definitely take it. I can't see Zlatan staying in that case but we have to do what's best for the club.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

@Kag @SecondFig @CallMeV @JohnnyKills @Raees etc...

Football365 had Zlatan as a "winner" this weekend, go figure.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Six chances created in 90 minutes. Looking solely at the goals scored tally underplays just how much fun Ibrahimovic is having at Old Trafford.

At least some appreciate him even if not a load of his own fans.

 

[Stacks]

He's still a good player but not among the elite strikers anymore in my opinion. Should we have a realistic shot at getting an elite striker, such as Griezmann, we should definitely take it. I can't see Zlatan staying in that case but we have to do what's best for the club.

That is understandable but he is at the end of his career so there's no shame in that. He is the tier below elite with the Harry Kanes of this world and I am glad we have him for this season at least as he is a great stop gap. Will we try to develop Martial or Rashford as CF? Will we buy an Elite striker?

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

That is understandable but he is at the end of his career so there's no shame in that. He is the tier below elite with the Harry Kanes of this world and I am glad we have him for this season at least as he is a great stop gap. Will we try to develop Martial or Rashford as CF? Will we buy an Elite striker?

Laughable. Who then is classed as elite?

 

[Raees]

@Kag @SecondFig @CallMeV @JohnnyKills @Raees etc...

Football365 had Zlatan as a "winner" this weekend, go figure.



At least some appreciate him even if not a load of his own fans.

Its not that I don't appreciate him. I think you'll find many post of mines which have spoken about my astonishment for what he is achieving for us considering his age and even taking that out of the equation, he is clearly a key player for us that season.

That said, my criticism hasn't been with Zlatan directly, it is more the fact, we do need someone younger and at their peak, someone whose performance levels are high throughout the entire game and can finish more clinically. It is not a slight on Zlatan, who at 35 is the best forward we have had since RVP.. but not resting him, or taking him out the side when he isn't at the races, and not having a better younger forward at his peak up top is the difference being being a top 4 contender and being a title contender.

He is doing a good job for a 9, for his age he is doing a stellar job.. but United need the very best in that role and someone at his peak. It is not being nasty or unappreciative of Zlatan, its just stating the facts.

Would a 35yr old Zlatan be starting for Chelsea or other top sides across Europe? the answer is no, so we do need to think about whether we are content with that situation despite acknowledging he has done alot for us this season. It is about looking at the bigger picture.

 

[Ainu]

Laughable. Who then is classed as elite?

The usual suspects: Messi, Ronaldo, Suarez, Griezmann, Lewandowski, Aubameyang, Neymar. Diego Costa in with a shout. I don't think Ibrahimovich belongs in that list anymore. Still a very good striker, but should we get an opportunity to sign for example Griezmann it should be a no brainer.

 

[Stacks]

Laughable.

Ok sorry. He is on par with Messi and Arry couldn't tie his laces.

Do you think United would be considerably worse off if the 2 were swapped? genuine question