Zlatan Ibrahimovic Transfer Speculation

[Nickosaur]

In recent years we've had the equivalent of four or five Ibra's on the pitch. I'm not talking about actual ability, but mentality.

Now, at the end of the current season, we might struggle to keep our only one - and there are many who wouldn't mind if he moved on.

IMO, Ibra has to stay. Say what you like about his role, his age, his style in our play, but he has the winning mentality that United need, if we want to get back to the very top, and we need more like him around the club.

 

[RedMaestro]

In recent years we've had the equivalent of four or five Ibra's on the pitch. I'm not talking about actual ability, but mentality.

Now, at the end of the current season, we might struggle to keep our only one - and there are many who wouldn't mind if he moved on.

IMO, Ibra has to stay. Say what you like about his role, his age, his style in our play, but he has the winning mentality that United need, if we want to get back to the very top, and we need more like him around the club.

You're right. It's those little things that might not seem special but are still important.

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[SER19]

Watching it live I was impressed by it and convinced he said "we need two more". Words of a man that knew what was coming yet again

 

[C'est Moi Cantona]

CL or not, you'd have thought it'd be us calling the shots and umming and arring about keeping a 36 year old, but no it's seemingly Zlatan thinking on about giving us another year of his time, we are simply his ball to bounce.

Personally I think it's worth him leaving just so someone else gets a chance at taking the freekicks, dam they're annoying..

 

[RedMaestro]

CL or not, you'd have thought it'd be us calling the shots and umming and arring about keeping a 36 year old, but no it's seemingly Zlatan thinking on about giving us another year of his time, we are simply his ball to bounce.

Personally I think it's worth him leaving just so someone else gets a chance at taking the freekicks, dam they're annoying..

Agree about his freekicks. But Pogba hasn't been better. It's still Ibrahimovic who has 2 freekick goals and then it's Rooney with 1 goal. These are the only ones I can remember. Rashford had a pretty good shot but there's no 'specialist' and as long as there's none, Ibrahimovic will be the first one that takes them and Pogba will be the second. Has been like this lately. They seem to go in that order, so they probably take turns.

 

[GM K]

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.

You do have a good point there. Ibra may not be Pirlo but I serioysly like how he marshals things when he drops back and the quicker players around him can move into space fast enough for him to lay the ball for them.

 

[Member 55725]

CL or not, you'd have thought it'd be us calling the shots and umming and arring about keeping a 36 year old, but no it's seemingly Zlatan thinking on about giving us another year of his time, we are simply his ball to bounce.

Personally I think it's worth him leaving just so someone else gets a chance at taking the freekicks, dam they're annoying..

It's a shame we signed him this year. I'd have much rather seen that other great freekick taker we have score 28 set-piece goals.

Like seriously, Zlatan is just so fecking annoying.

 

[El Jefe]

I really hope he goes at the end of the season.

As long as he's here he will always be the focal point of our attack but lacks the dynamism needed to really make us a force in attack.

On an individual level he's a great striker but a more dynamic striker is a must this summer. That could transform our attack completely.

Saha never scored more than Ruud but in the second half of 05/06 and in 06/07, Saha's all round game play was vital to how good we looked up in attack with every chipping in with the goals as opposed to just Rooney and RVN in the previous season.

 

[Raoul]

I really hope he goes at the end of the season.

As long as he's here he will always be the focal point of our attack but lacks the dynamism needed to really make us a force in attack.

On an individual level he's a great striker but a more dynamic striker is a must this summer. That could transform our attack completely.

Saha never scored more than Ruud but in the second half of 05/06 and in 06/07, Saha's all round game play was vital to how good we looked up in attack with every chipping in with the goals as opposed to just Rooney and RVN in the previous season.

Trust me, if the players around him aren't good enough this year, they won't be next year. Good players shine through irrespective of the circumstances they are in.

 

[C'est Moi Cantona]

It's a shame we signed him this year. I'd have much rather seen that other great freekick taker we have score 28 set-piece goals.

Like seriously, Zlatan is just so fecking annoying.

As I realise your post was sarcasm, I hope you stopped mine was tongue in cheek, but I do believe we have better freekicks takers.

 

[Ashley R1+O]

Trust me, if the players around him aren't good enough this year, they won't be next year. Good players shine through irrespective of the circumstances they are in.

I don't trust you at all and I don't believe that line of thought. There is plenty of room for this group of players to grow, there is more than enough evidence to make a case that Zlatan could be causing as much downward pressure on the team element of this group of players, the same amount of evidence as you could make the case saying that they are a true representation of sum of our collection of players.

We can grow as a team, with or without Zlatan. But the passage of time is linear, we simply have to watch from the sidelines to see how the team moves forward.

 

[Raoul]

I don't trust you at all and I don't believe that line of thought. There is plenty of room for this group of players to grow, there is more than enough evidence to make a case that Zlatan could be causing as much downward pressure on the team element of this group of players, the same amount of evidence as you could make the case saying that they are a true representation of sum of our collection of players.

We can grow as a team, with or without Zlatan. But the passage of time is linear, we simply have to watch from the sidelines to see how the team moves forward.

There's no downward pressure (whatever that means). The players have to perform otherwise they are gone. That goes for Martial, Shaw, Jones, and all of them.

 

[RedMaestro]

I don't trust you at all and I don't believe that line of thought. There is plenty of room for this group of players to grow, there is more than enough evidence to make a case that Zlatan could be causing as much downward pressure on the team element of this group of players, the same amount of evidence as you could make the case saying that they are a true representation of sum of our collection of players.

We can grow as a team, with or without Zlatan. But the passage of time is linear, we simply have to watch from the sidelines to see how the team moves forward.

How much negative effect can one player have on the team? I really don't believe this notion. It's making an easy 'excuse' when people blame Ibrahimovic for the other players 'shortcomings'. 1 or 2 players could be affected since player chemistry is a part of the game. Just like some players get better with him, others can get 'worse. For instance - during Ibrahimovic's Milan time, Nocerino, was transformed by the 'help' of him. And Cavani, suffered a bit, but that was more because he wasn't allowed to play in his preferred position (striker). I can't remember players that got worse just by playing with him - sure they maybe couldn't understand each other but that's something else and it's hard to say whose 'fault' that is.

The only thing I can say about 'improvements' without him is if a different type of manager would take over and build a 'team' instead of having a couple of players that have strong individual skills. I'm no Mourinho expert but as far as I know, his offensive players are usually chosen because of their individual skills and not how well they work together?

I actually can't understand why a certain player can get the blame for other players underperforming. Can't they take the responsibilty for their own 'actions'? They are professional players and you have to want to be the best and work hard for it. They shouldn't be handled as if they are 'fragile'.

At least how I see things.

 

[itso 7]

Trust me, if the players around him aren't good enough this year, they won't be next year. Good players shine through irrespective of the circumstances they are in.

This time last year Rojo wasn't good enough and Martial was Thor, so if Martial has done it once before there is no reason to say he won't be able to find that form again. Last season's Martial in addition to Zlatan and Pogba would have seen us comfortably in the top three. Things can change so we shouldn't discount players we have seen produce before.

 

[United Pro]

Trust me, if the players around him aren't good enough this year, they won't be next year. Good players shine through irrespective of the circumstances they are in.

Hazard is a good example of the opposite. He's had 2 relatively average seasons in the last 4 years and it shows that on field performance is strongly linked to things happening off it.

 

[FC Ronaldo]

I don't trust you at all and I don't believe that line of thought. There is plenty of room for this group of players to grow, there is more than enough evidence to make a case that Zlatan could be causing as much downward pressure on the team element of this group of players, the same amount of evidence as you could make the case saying that they are a true representation of sum of our collection of players.

We can grow as a team, with or without Zlatan. But the passage of time is linear, we simply have to watch from the sidelines to see how the team moves forward.

Does that growing team of yours include Rooney? Either way, I find it strange to want a scoring striker (who quite frankly is carrying our team) gone but praise a non-scoring one so often in spite of the Englishman's dire performances.

 

[El Jefe]

Trust me, if the players around him aren't good enough this year, they won't be next year. Good players shine through irrespective of the circumstances they are in.

I agree that the supporting players haven't been good enough and make no mistake about it we need two new attackers in the summer.

My main issue with Zlatan is not his ability, its his style. His lack of pace and tendency to slow the game down makes us very predictable to defend against. Due to him being a good striker he does still score goals but the likes of Kane, Aguero, Costa and Lukaku give defenders a lot more to think about over 90 minutes.

Its also not just about pace. Ibra at his peak was known for producing spectacular moments out of nothing but now he rarely does compared to the strikers I mentioned earlier. Apart from his goal last week, I can't think of many more. In tight games like our many draws, this is a quality that is lacking but in fairness to Ibra our other attacking players have lacked this also.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

We have one player nominated by his peers for the POTY shortlist, he's gonna end the season on over 35 goals, he's created more chances than anyone else on our team.

Obviously the only logical thing to do is get rid as he's slowing us down (yes we looked shit during his ban too despite being full of pace but forget that) and he makes everyone else shit at creating and finishing.

This place

We need MORE goalscorers, not getting rid of the only one we have, how the feck is that not the most obvious thing ever in football?

If we lose Zlatan we need a new 30 goal striker AND a 20 goal attacker.

 

[FattyFooty]

We have one player nominated by his peers for the POTY shortlist, he's gonna end the season on over 35 goals, he's created more chances than anyone else on our team.

Obviously the only logical thing to do is get rid as he's slowing us down (yes we looked shit during his ban too despite being full of pace but forget that) and he makes everyone else shit at creating and finishing.

This place

We need MORE goalscorers, not getting rid of the only one we have, how the feck is that not the most obvious thing ever in football?

If we lose Zlatan we need a new 30 goal striker AND a 20 goal attacker.

What you are saying is correct. But caf tells me if Zlatan leaves, Rashford will become 30 goal striker, and Martial will run in from the sides banging atleast 20. Because thats pace!

 

[RedMaestro]

I agree that the supporting players haven't been good enough and make no mistake about it we need two new attackers in the summer.

My main issue with Zlatan is not his ability, its his style. His lack of pace and tendency to slow the game down makes us very predictable to defend against. Due to him being a good striker he does still score goals but the likes of Kane, Aguero, Costa and Lukaku give defenders a lot more to think about over 90 minutes.

Its also not just about pace. Ibra at his peak was known for producing spectacular moments out of nothing but now he rarely does compared to the strikers I mentioned earlier. Apart from his goal last week, I can't think of many more. In tight games like our many draws, this is a quality that is lacking but in fairness to Ibra our other attacking players have lacked this also.

Well it's ok. Everyone can't like his style. About the goals: these two are the only ones that could have been seen as 'spectacular' but one was saved by the GK and the other one was disallowed:
This one:

and this one:
¨

and he had a nice potential assist that wasn't a goal:

These are the ones I know without even trying to remember. So he's still got the 'spectacular' things left, but he's been 'unlucky'. I do agree that he's not as 'magical' as he used to be - nowadays he cares more about getting the points and goals - but if the team is in a lead, then he tries to do those things more than usual.

 

[sunama]

I really hope he goes at the end of the season.

As long as he's here he will always be the focal point of our attack but lacks the dynamism needed to really make us a force in attack.

On an individual level he's a great striker but a more dynamic striker is a must this summer. That could transform our attack completely.

Saha never scored more than Ruud but in the second half of 05/06 and in 06/07, Saha's all round game play was vital to how good we looked up in attack with every chipping in with the goals as opposed to just Rooney and RVN in the previous season.

So you basically prefer players to do some pretty dribbles, run around with pace, than to score goals? Especially when goal scoring is our main problem?

Trust me, if the players around him aren't good enough this year, they won't be next year. Good players shine through irrespective of the circumstances they are in.

Precisely. It's bizzarre that anybody would think that if Player X left our club, then our other first team players would suddenly elevate their performance level. That won't be happening anytime soon.
When Neymar was added to Barca (alongside Messi), he immediately hit the ground running. He did not say, "Messi needs to leave for more to play well".
When Suarez was added to Barca (alongside Messi, Neymar), he hit the ground running. There were no, "Messi and Neymar are holding me back" excuses.

Put simply, Miki, Martial and Rashford, at this moment in time are not good enough to score the required number of goals. Ibra is our only player who is doing the business. And when you add in the leadership factor, Ibra, without doubt, is our most important/valuable player. Even DDG is expendable, now.

 

[WalkerTheRed]

We have one player nominated by his peers for the POTY shortlist, he's gonna end the season on over 35 goals, he's created more chances than anyone else on our team.

Obviously the only logical thing to do is get rid as he's slowing us down (yes we looked shit during his ban too despite being full of pace but forget that) and he makes everyone else shit at creating and finishing.

This place

We need MORE goalscorers, not getting rid of the only one we have, how the feck is that not the most obvious thing ever in football?

If we lose Zlatan we need a new 30 goal striker AND a 20 goal attacker.

Messi would probably get slated, for not scoring enough headers.

 

[DWelbz19]

I don't think Zlatan being our only source of goals and leaving will have any impact on a league finish. With Rooney and a recouperating Radamel Falcao as our main strikers we finished 4th and 6th.

 

[Cassidy]

I don't think Zlatan being our only source of goals and leaving will have any impact on a league finish. With Rooney and a recouperating Radamel Falcao as our main strikers we finished 4th and 6th.

Sooo you're happy for us to stay fighting between 4th and 6th?
if he leaves and isn't properly replaced as well as an additional goalscorer we will stay between 4th and 6th

 

[2 man midfield]

We need him. Slow build up play or not, the fundamentals are that if you take 28-35 goals out of this team then we're going to struggle to find them elsewhere even with all the money in the world to spend. So let's ask the guy we signed for free to do it again shall we?

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

I don't think Zlatan being our only source of goals and leaving will have any impact on a league finish. With Rooney and a recouperating Radamel Falcao as our main strikers we finished 4th and 6th.

When we finished 4th Rooney was still decent enough to get 12 in the Prem, RVP 10 & Mata 9.

And that was good enough to just nick 4th.

Currently our 2nd & 3nd top scorers have 6 & 4 goals respectively. So if we wanna start fighting for the league again rather than top 4, we need a striker getting 20 League Goals & 1 other getting around 15.

 

[DWelbz19]

Sooo you're happy for us to stay fighting between 4th and 6th?
if he leaves and isn't properly replaced as well as an additional goalscorer we will stay between 4th and 6th

And if he stays we'll still be here.

When we finished 4th Rooney was still decent enough to get 12 in the Prem, RVP 10 & Mata 9.

And that was good enough to just nick 4th.

Currently our 2nd & 3nd top scorers have 6 & 4 goals respectively. So if we wanna start fighting for the league again rather than top 4, we need a striker getting 20 League Goals & 1 other getting around 15.

The team will even itself out. We could easily get three players on 12/10/9 next season. A lot of freak misses will be gone.

I'm not really bothered either way if he stays or if he goes, I just think he wouldn't be too hard to replace, and that the team will naturally even itself out.

 

[Dobbs]

We have one player nominated by his peers for the POTY shortlist, he's gonna end the season on over 35 goals, he's created more chances than anyone else on our team.

Obviously the only logical thing to do is get rid as he's slowing us down (yes we looked shit during his ban too despite being full of pace but forget that) and he makes everyone else shit at creating and finishing.

This place

We need MORE goalscorers, not getting rid of the only one we have, how the feck is that not the most obvious thing ever in football?

If we lose Zlatan we need a new 30 goal AND a 20 goal attacker.

Made this point before but in Martial, Mkhitaryan and Mata we have players who've hit the 20 mark or come close.

Rather than buy again we need to address why they've only scored half of the goals they're capable of.

 

[Cassidy]

And if he stays we'll still be here.

Not if we add additional goalscoring attackers. Rooney is leaving, we should replace with another player who can guarantee 25+ goals with the current lot and we will improve.

 

[Cassidy]

The team will even itself out. We could easily get three players on 12/10/9 next season. A lot of freak misses will be gone.

I'm not really bothered either way if he stays or if he goes, I just think he wouldn't be too hard to replace, and that the team will naturally even itself out.

We've not been scoring enough goals as a team for about 3 years. We need additional goalscorers, plus Zlatan. If he leaves he needs to be properly replaced with a top striker.

 

[Acole9]

Some of the delusional garbage in this thread! If he leaves in the summer we are IN TROUBLE, do you really think Griezmann and Lukaku will come here if we're in the Europa League again? Of course they won't.

 

[Dobbs]

Some of the delusional garbage in this thread! If he leaves in the summer we are IN TROUBLE, do you really think Griezmann and Lukaku will come here if we're in the Europa League again? Of course they won't.

Sounds like you're already writing off next season if we finish 5th and Zlatan leaves.

 

[Sigma]

Another great artwork from Momani:

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Who's the woman supposed to be?

Looks like (a young) Sharon Stone (probably isn't though).

 

[RedMaestro]

Who's the woman supposed to be?

Looks like Sharon Stone (probably isn't though).

Jennifer Lawrence

 

[EyeInTheSky]

We have one player nominated by his peers for the POTY shortlist, he's gonna end the season on over 35 goals, he's created more chances than anyone else on our team.

Obviously the only logical thing to do is get rid as he's slowing us down (yes we looked shit during his ban too despite being full of pace but forget that) and he makes everyone else shit at creating and finishing.

This place

We need MORE goalscorers, not getting rid of the only one we have, how the feck is that not the most obvious thing ever in football?

If we lose Zlatan we need a new 30 goal striker AND a 20 goal attacker.

What you are saying is correct. But caf tells me if Zlatan leaves, Rashford will become 30 goal striker, and Martial will run in from the sides banging atleast 20. Because thats pace!

Lol amazing. People are out of excuses because he's rescuing our season by doing his job and then some. So instead they try ad come up with another insidious angle only this time it's "negative effect" on players who don't perform even when he is not playing playing despite their "pace" they are simply not good enough yet or will never be good enough.

Utter garbage

 

[Sigma]

Jennifer Lawrence

Ah yeah, of course.

 

[Acole9]

Sounds like you're already writing off next season if we finish 5th and Zlatan leaves.

Yes because Rashford and Martial aren't ready yet and like I said before Griezmann and Lukaku won't come if we're not in the Champions League.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

And if he stays we'll still be here.

What? Seriously @DWelbz19, if we were to keep Zlatan and recruit for example Griezmann you think we'd still be in 5th? That'd be a guaranteed 50 goals in all comps from two players.

Miki will get more next year for sure, as he'll play more (which helps) and be more comfortable in his surroundings, so adding Griezmann's goals to Zlatan & Miki would be a huge boost in our chances of a title challenge.

It's blind faith to think Martial or Rashford will step up and replace a huge amount of those Zlatan goals and do the job Mourinho wants from his target man.

 

[Dobbs]

Yes because Rashford and Martial aren't ready yet and like I said before Griezmann and Lukaku won't come if we're not in the Champions League.

But we've still got plenty of good players and the last few seasons should show you that even without Champions league we can still attract real talent. We've also got maybe the best manager in the world who is supposed to get the most out of his players. There's plenty to be hopeful about next season with or without Zlatan.

 

[Adisa]

Probably the worst team he's played in since he was a teenager.