Zlatan Ibrahimovic Transfer Speculation

Im a big fan of zlatan and would prefer not to lose him but at the same time theres a limited window of oportunity to sign lukaku, who would be a great long term signing for us. The two arent mutually exclusive of course but im not convinced zlatan will want to drop back to number 10 and obviously lukaku cant play as a 10 despite that being his shirt number.
 
Raiola:

“Zlatan’s sole priority at this moment is to end the season well,” Raiola told RMC. “Zlatan knows what he wants to do. He wants to play in the final of the Champions League, and if possible to win it.”

"We’re not going to be pressed and we’ll take the right decision. Zlatan has desire and he is motivated. He has no need for a financial motivation to continue; he wants to prove that he can still play at the highest level."

Not sure if he actually meant Europa League and this season.
 
Not too fussed about it either way. He scores goals but his overall play has been poor
 
One more season as backup would be great, but ultimately it is questionable whether he should be starting, me personally would start him on hhis build up play alone in a two. His build up play is immense and his record this season is good however if someone like G man had the chances Ibra has had this season he would probably of scored 60 by now. Ibra just isn't very clinical though has immense build up play at the moments of brilliance.

I do think he could be great in a two with a finisher though(which we don't have).
 
He is our only goal scoring threat, if he is off we really need to replace him with a world class lethal striker to have any hope next season.
 
Raiola:



Not sure if he actually meant Europa League and this season.
But isn't this strange? If he wants CL but if Manchester United won't get there he'll leave for the MLS, according to rumours? It's not like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Juventus are interested in him?
 
Not too fussed about it either way. He scores goals but his overall play has been poor
That can be said about the entire team. So we can not be sure which position that gets improvements will make the team better. I still hope that he stays and other positions get improved. But if Lewandowski or a similar striker is available then he should of course be replaced. I'd prefer it if Ibrahimovic stays if Lukaku is going to be his replacement. Would rather prefer a younger striker to come in (André Silva) and share the position with Ibrahimovic for 2 seasons (they could play about 30 games each as starters per season) and then the big man can leave.
 
But isn't this strange? If he wants CL but if Manchester United won't get there he'll leave for the MLS, according to rumours? It's not like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Juventus are interested in him?

I think the key word is 'rumours'. If we qualify for the CL, I can see him staying. If not, he's gone, somewhere.
 
I don't care what his demands are. Say thank you & show him the door. The main problem with the team is due to everything going through him, making the side slow & predictable. We need someone with pace up front. Unfortunately, this is how Mourinho likes to play with a static target man up front.
 
I think the key word is 'rumours'. If we qualify for the CL, I can see him staying. If not, he's gone, somewhere.
Yes, rumours are rumours. But it's this thing about him wanting CL. I really don't understand it. If it really is this important, would he even consider leaving Europe (for MLS)? The problem is that there aren't that many realistic CL winners that would want him.

Bayern Munich (maybe if Lewandowski leaves, Ancelotti likes Ibrahimovic, but still not likely)
Real Madrid (maybe if Benzema leaves, but they don't buy old players and Ronaldo would probably not want him to come)
Juventus (if Higuain goes elsewhere and Allegri stays, not sure if they have 'forgiven' him for leaving them after Calciopoli)
Atletico Madrid (if Griezmann leaves, but the problem is their style of play, maybe if Simeone leaves as well?)
Dortmund (if Aubameyang leaves, same as for Atletico Madrid)

So what other teams are there out there that can win the CL in the next 2 years? Not that many and those I mentioned will never buy him, mostly because they don't need him.

This is why I don't believe this CL rumour. He'll either stay no matter what position (if the club wants him) or he'll return to whatever club in Italy that wants him if he wants to stay in Europe. But he won't care about the CL.
 
Yes, rumours are rumours. But it's this thing about him wanting CL. I really don't understand it. If it really is this important, would he even consider leaving Europe (for MLS)? The problem is that there aren't that many realistic CL winners that would want him.

Bayern Munich (maybe if Lewandowski leaves, Ancelotti likes Ibrahimovic, but still not likely)
Real Madrid (maybe if Benzema leaves, but they don't buy old players and Ronaldo would probably not want him to come)
Juventus (if Higuain goes elsewhere and Allegri stays, not sure if they have 'forgiven' him for leaving them after Calciopoli)
Atletico Madrid (if Griezmann leaves, but the problem is their style of play, maybe if Simeone leaves as well?)
Dortmund (if Aubameyang leaves, same as for Atletico Madrid)

So what other teams are there out there that can win the CL in the next 2 years? Not that many and those I mentioned will never buy him, mostly because they don't need him.

This is why I don't believe this CL rumour. He'll either stay no matter what position (if the club wants him) or he'll return to whatever club in Italy that wants him if he wants to stay in Europe. But he won't care about the CL.

I agree that there might not be (m)any top clubs interested. But who says he has considered the MLS?
 
He won't be here next season, I can't see what factors, if any, will make him want to stay.

Playing for one of the most illustrious clubs in the world?
The fame and adulation that comes with it?
Adding to his legacy?
The cash?
His family if they are settled?
 
Playing for one of the most illustrious clubs in the world?
The fame and adulation that comes with it?
Adding to his legacy?
The cash?
His family if they are settled?

He's played for top clubs in many countries, he highly needs to be here because we're so illustrious, particularly since we haven't been very successful in recent years.

He will have fans and adulation wherever he goes.

He'll receive a nice paycheck wherever he goes.

He has moved around his entire career, I highly doubt one more move will be a hindrance.

I'm relatively sure he won't be here if we don't participate in the CL next season.
 
He's played for top clubs in many countries, he highly needs to be here because we're so illustrious, particularly since we haven't been very successful in recent years.

He will have fans and adulation wherever he goes.

He'll receive a nice paycheck wherever he goes.

He has moved around his entire career, I highly doubt one more move will be a hindrance.

I'm relatively sure he won't be here if we don't participate in the CL next season.
I don't think it matters. I think the most important thing for Ibrahimovic is to win the PL title, since he's won the domestic league title everywhere he's played. So as long as Mourinho can buy 4-5 players (maybe 3 top class) which will show that the club is willing to fight for the title, he'll see that the club, just like him, won't waste any time.

But if the players won't be that exiting, I'd assume that would be an indication that the club will have difficulties next season as well and since he probably only has 2 seasons left in him, he won't risk ending his career as a 'loser' - his last 2-3 seasons could be without winning the League or CL.
 
Playing for one of the most illustrious clubs in the world?
The fame and adulation that comes with it?
Adding to his legacy?
The cash?
His family if they are settled?
You forgot to add the possibility of CL football.
 
I remember links to Napoli, they're not exactly contenders for the CL but they could realistically challenge Juve for the title and go on a run in the CL. I think he'll stay for another season here regardless, potentially winning the Europa League won't be enough for his ego.
 
I remember links to Napoli, they're not exactly contenders for the CL but they could realistically challenge Juve for the title and go on a run in the CL. I think he'll stay for another season here regardless, potentially winning the Europa League won't be enough for his ego.
I think the number of titles is what still keeps him going. He wants to be the most 'decorated' player and I think he's on 32 (counting the 2 from Juventus) and winning the Europa League would mean 33. Maxwell from PSG is the 'leader' at the moment with 35 (?).
 
Playing for one of the most illustrious clubs in the world?
The fame and adulation that comes with it?
Adding to his legacy?
The cash?
His family if they are settled?
Just everything he has said leads me to think he will be leaving.
 
Just everything he has said leads me to think he will be leaving.
Like what? Hasn't he basically said that he has a 'mission' and wants to get the club back on track and wants to win the League title? Or did media make those things up, I'm not sure?
 
Jose would be mad to get rid of his only proven goalscorer. The next attacking signings could be like Mikhy or Pogba who are 'failed' to show the level on their previous clubs.
 
Jose would be mad to get rid of his only proven goalscorer. The next attacking signings could be like Mikhy or Pogba who are 'failed' to show the level on their previous clubs.

I'm not in that camp I think Pogba is showing exactly his Juv form. Personally I'm pleased with Pogba it's the guys around him that I'm not happy about. People who were expecting more from Pogba obviously hadn't watched him and just looked at his price tag.
 
I hope he stays but I'm not averse to him leaving. He likely has one more year of top level football in the tank followed by a year or two of retirement league quality left.

If he stays, we will obviously still need to buy a top class attacker like Griezmann. If he leaves then we need to buy two (Bellotti and Griezmann would seem logical).
 
But isn't this strange? If he wants CL but if Manchester United won't get there he'll leave for the MLS, according to rumours? It's not like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Juventus are interested in him?
There was mention of Napoli as well around January and they are 3rd so perhaps thats what he meant.
 
Him leaving could be a blessing in disguise provided we sign a top striker to replace him.

He doesn't get nearly enough credit for his all round play and his winner's mentality can't be underestimated in terms of what it brings to the team but his lack of mobility and undroppability are huge issues for me.

He's a freak of nature for his age but there will come a point where his performances start to severely decrease and that could easily begin soon.
 
I'd only get rid of him if we qualified for Champions League... that way if his replacement/s didn't work out, we'd have at least a year's grace period to fix the problem. On the other hand if we don't qualify and lose him, we run a greater risk of a more prolonged spell away from the competition which could have more negative long term results. I like the guy, so I hope he stays in general... but qualification would allow the breathing room to experiment and make a few mistakes.
 
Him leaving could be a blessing in disguise provided we sign a top striker to replace him.

He doesn't get nearly enough credit for his all round play and his winner's mentality can't be underestimated in terms of what it brings to the team but his lack of mobility and undroppability are huge issues for me.

He's a freak of nature for his age but there will come a point where his performances start to severely decrease and that could easily begin soon.
If he's the only one being replaced as a starter. I wouldn't expect too much. Probably even get worse. But if maybe 3 more quality players would come in together with the striker than I can agree with you. But who are these 'big names' going to be?

Lewandowski? Griezmann? Aubameyang? No. The only ones that are available with the right experience and could be realistic are Lukaku, Belotti, Icardi and Lacazette. Lukaku doesn't feel like an improvement over Ibrahimovic. Don't know much about Lacazette, so I can't really say anything about him. So it's either Icardi or Belotti, but I'm not sure if they are ready to lead Manchester United in their first season in the PL.
 
There was mention of Napoli as well around January and they are 3rd so perhaps thats what he meant.
Napoli would love Ibrahimovic. They've been really good these last couple of years but haven't managed to take the last step to be a top club. Now that Milan has found new owners, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to convince Ibrahimovic to join them - he's always stated that he loved it there and that he never really wanted to leave.
 
Yes, rumours are rumours. But it's this thing about him wanting CL. I really don't understand it. If it really is this important, would he even consider leaving Europe (for MLS)? The problem is that there aren't that many realistic CL winners that would want him.

Bayern Munich (maybe if Lewandowski leaves, Ancelotti likes Ibrahimovic, but still not likely)
Real Madrid (maybe if Benzema leaves, but they don't buy old players and Ronaldo would probably not want him to come)
Juventus (if Higuain goes elsewhere and Allegri stays, not sure if they have 'forgiven' him for leaving them after Calciopoli)
Atletico Madrid (if Griezmann leaves, but the problem is their style of play, maybe if Simeone leaves as well?)
Dortmund (if Aubameyang leaves, same as for Atletico Madrid)

So what other teams are there out there that can win the CL in the next 2 years? Not that many and those I mentioned will never buy him, mostly because they don't need him.

This is why I don't believe this CL rumour. He'll either stay no matter what position (if the club wants him) or he'll return to whatever club in Italy that wants him if he wants to stay in Europe. But he won't care about the CL.

I think it's quite simple. Next season at United is his last shot at the Champions League. If we don't qualify then why not just bring on the semi retirement in LA?

I wouldn't blame him. Living and playing over there or another season playing against the likes of Rostov?
 
I think it's quite simple. Next season at United is his last shot at the Champions League. If we don't qualify then why not just bring on the semi retirement in LA?

I wouldn't blame him. Living and playing over there or another season playing against the likes of Rostov?
Well even if they qualify for CL next season I can't see them winning both the PL and CL next season. And I expect the PL will be the priority.
But if he plays in the MLS, there's going to be long travels and there's going to be big differences in the climate as well.
 
Well even if they qualify for CL next season I can't see them winning both the PL and CL next season. And I expect the PL will be the priority.
But if he plays in the MLS, there's going to be long travels and there's going to be big differences in the climate as well.

That's not how footballers work though. If we qualify Zlatan and the rest will think we can win it. I don't think chances of winning the comp is the key though. It's the alternative, finishing 5th and another season of Europa. I don't see him bothering with it. Wouldn't blame him either.

When you say "they" are you not a United fan?
 
That's not how footballers work though. If we qualify Zlatan and the rest will think we can win it. I don't think chances of winning the comp is the key though. It's the alternative, finishing 5th and another season of Europa. I don't see him bothering with it. Wouldn't blame him either.

When you say "they" are you not a United fan?
I'm not a player. That's why I say they. I get annoyed when people say, we. :) Been doing so, since my childhood really. Always 'corrected' people when they said, 'we won' and then they'd usually get upset. :D Don't know why, but I can't say we, when I'm not 'contributing' to the play, feel like a 'liar'. :)

I can say, my team won, but not, we won. :) I'm 'stupid' like that. :p
 
Haven't you heard? He's old and slow... :)

Zlatan is not slower than Iniesta is or Xavi and Pirlo were. His 'slowness' is massively exergerrated. He makes up for his 'slow' speed with an incredible football brain.

People need to give this guy a break. He is not a liability in the United team. Minus Tony V, he has outperformed every other player by a distance.
 
It sounds like Zlatan wants to see what is going to happen with the squad next season before committing. He's been around the block, and it won't be lost on him that too many players in our squad just aren't of the quality required to compete at the highest level. If we invest and improve sufficiently, I suspect he'll stay. If, for some reason, the purse strings are tightened, he'll be off.

On point.
 
One way or the other, it will be fine for me. He's been important this season but also a reason why we dont perform well as a team. And if he leaves, I'm sure we will buy a good striker as well
One way or the other, it will be fine for me. He's been important this season but also a reason why we dont perform well as a team. And if he leaves, I'm sure we will buy a good striker as well

If you mean this in the same way as almost everyone else can be blamed including Jose, then I agree. But if you mean this in the way some have argued that Zlatan is the main problem with the team, then I beg to disagree. Together with Tony V, Zlatan has been our best player this season.
 
Zlatan is not slower than Iniesta is or Xavi and Pirlo were. His 'slowness' is massively exergerrated. He makes up for his 'slow' speed with an incredible football brain.

People need to give this guy a break. He is not a liability in the United team. Minus Tony V, he has outperformed every other player by a distance.
Agreed. He's actually really intelligent on the pitch. Sees things than some players don't. Now that you mentioned Pirlo, I was wondering if Ibrahimovic could manage the 'regista' role? He's never really been good at tackles but if you think about how Pirlo played, maybe Ibra could emulate that? Would his size be a problem? Or would it be totally wrong? Not saying he should change his style, but that he could play in that role when needed, depending on the game.