#360view: Ibra renewal raises questions

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  • Misfiring: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic has always enjoyed a curious relationship with English football.

    From the maverick talent who turned down a trial at Arsenal – “Zlatan doesn’t do auditions” – to the perception of him as an overrated foreign striker whose remarkable achievements were discredited by the fact he had never played in the Premier League – wet Wednesday nights at Stoke etc.

    But one hat-trick against England in a friendly awoke those resorting to ignorant cliches and his ability, goal-scoring and persona soon made him a cult hero. Consequently his arrival at Manchester United was met with considerable excitement.

    So much of what drives the theatre of the Premier League and maintains its self-appointed moniker of the “most exciting league in the world’ are the personalities which reside within it.

    And in the age of media-trained players coached out of any discernable opinions, Zlatan added a fresh storyline to a narrative which had switched firmly onto the drama of the dugouts rather than the characters on the pitch.

    Upon arrival his wise-cracking confidence exuded an ambition which had been eroded in the United dressing room under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.

    And while a player of his stature agreeing to a one-year contract was slightly curious, it was considered a sensible piece of management given his age, meaning any extension would have to be earned.

    Yet, four months later the Swede has been furnished with that additional 12 months, amid a nagging sense he’s been a disappointment.

    A Premier League strike rate of six goals in 11 games is a strong ratio but, bar his derby goal against Manchester City, the others were against clubs – Southampton, Bournemouth and Swansea – ranked ninth or lower, while the latter two are also in the bottom half of the league defensively.

    In terms of efficiency he’s averaging a goal every 9.8 shots (before his brace against Swansea it was 14.25). If Diego Costa was playing for Manchester United, he’d have 15.

    The counter argument is at least he’s getting and/or creating the chances for himself and a striker of his quality can only go so long before his lean spell ends. That may be true but an individual of Ibrahimovic’s pedigree expects better. As should Jose Mourinho.

    Given United’s position, financial strength and re-discovered willingness to spend in the transfer market, he can count himself somewhat fortunate to be guaranteed another season by November. When you factor in how Mourinho often has his team playing, it’s also a curious decision.

    Ibrahimovic’s work-rate and desire to press and track defenders is impressive, especially at his age and what he has already achieved in the game. It would be easy for him not to work, but it’s in his nature, what had made him such a successful individual and model professional.

    But the issue isn’t when United don’t have the ball – as is the case with one or two of Mourinho’s squad at present – it’s when they are in possession.

    Mourinho’s gameplan doesn’t completely eschew possession but is based on pace, width and being dynamic in transition; only the middle of those instructions really playing to the 6ft5ins Ibrahimovic’s strengths (although only one of his six goals has been a header).

    Passes played through or over the top have surrendered possession almost immediately, as Ibrahimovic simply doesn’t have the legs to outrun defenders while he propensity for dropping deep and receiving possession, as he demands the ball into feet, can then see the play accelerate past him.

    He is also not a No2 striker. Mourinho clearly agrees and has given him more Premier League minutes (990) then any other outfield player at the club not called Paul Pogba. But with this contract, the Portuguese is locking Ibrahimovic as his attacking focal point for the next 18 months. Where exactly does that leave Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford?

    It’s a bold move, and it’s difficult to ignore the suggestion it’s motivated as much by commercial reasons as anything – ‘Ibrahimovic 9’ is the fourth-highest selling shirt in the world this season. That is modern football.

    But for United to truly profit, Mourinho has to figure out how to get the best out of such a unique talent.

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