Should Manchester United hand Zlatan Ibrahimovich a new contract?

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been a hit in the Premier League. United may be struggling to compete for the title and could find themselves outside the top four come the end of the season, but there is no doubt that Ibrahimovic has been a success.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker has scored 14 goals in 20 Premier League matches for United so far this season. The 35-year-old has found the net pretty regularly this campaign and has often hoodwinked opposition defences with his movement and runs.

United signed Ibrahimovic on a free transfer in the summer of 2016 following his departure from French club PSG at the end of the 2015-16 season. The striker’s contract will run out in the summer of 2017, and there are reports suggesting that the Red Devils want to hand him a new two-year deal.

While many will point to the fact that Ibrahimovic will be almost 36 by the time the 2017-18 season starts, it cannot be denied that he is a top-class footballer. So much so that Betway has him as the favourite to become the top scorer in the Premier League this season – ahead of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, in-form Chelsea star Diego Costa and Manchester City ace Sergio Aguero. It makes a lot of sense for United to keep the striker on board for at least one more season.

“Ibrahimovich rifila una gomitata e com.me” (CC BY 2.0) by NazionaleCalcio

Ibrahimovic’s game is not based on pace or brainless running. The former Inter Milan star is an intelligent footballer who has guile and the ability to find a teammate with a stunning pace. The 35-year-old has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and it would be wise of United to retain his services for the 2017-18 campaign.

Ibrahimovic could also teach the youngsters a thing or two. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford may feel that they could struggle for playing time, but it cannot be denied that the two young forwards would grow and develop a lot under the guidance of the former Sweden international. If Martial and Rashford were able to train with Ibrahimovic himself day in and day out, they would be able to cultivate a winner’s edge.

Ibrahimovic has also managed to form a strong bond with his teammates. Star midfielder Paul Pogba has said that the striker is like a big brother to him, while the Swede himself has shared his admiration of teammate Wayne Rooney. It seems that the former AC Milan ace can do nothing wrong at Old Trafford.

It would be a real statement of intent from United if they decide to hand Ibrahimovic a new contract before the end of the season. It would show that the Red Devils can keep hold of their best players irrespective of their chances of playing in the Champions League.

However, it should not be taken for granted that Ibrahimovic wants to carry on playing for United. The Swede is a very ambitious man, and he has shown in the past that he is always ready for a new adventure. After all, the striker joined United in the summer of 2016 when he could have easily signed a new deal at PSG where he was hugely successful.

United should not wait until the summer to make a decision on Ibrahimovic’s future. Jose Mourinho’s side should make it clear to the striker now that they want him at Old Trafford next season and give him time to make a decision. If the wages are good and United show ambition, then Ibrahimovic would find it hard to refuse the new deal.

By Matt Blanchard