Zlatan Ibrahimovic Told Man Utd Which Two Players to Build the Team Around

During his remarkable playing career, which includes two years at Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic famously referred to himself as “a god.” Despite his limited tenure, he made an impact at Old Trafford by helping the Red Devils win the League Cup in 2017.

In 53 appearances across all competitions, the mysterious Swede scored 29 goals and provided 10 assists for United, including a brace in a man-of-the-match performance that helped the team defeat Southampton 3-2 in the League Cup final under then-manager Jose Mourinho. He’s never been one to hold back when speaking, and his direct style has sparked rifts among football fans.

When the 35-year-old Swedish top scorer signed a free agency contract with the Premier League powerhouses in July 2016, he worked with a number of players who had not yet reached their prime. The legendary striker’s godlike demeanour and mindset were a great asset to every team he played for, but the most recent events at Old Trafford involving Marcus Rashford have put an end to any notion of the AC Milan legend’s omniscience.

Ibrahimovic urged Manchester United to prioritise Rashford and Pogba.
The pair departed Old Trafford without any fanfare.

After leaving United in March 2018, Ibrahimovic joined the LA Galaxy in the Major League Soccer (MLS), where his star shone brightly in the US. After a year with Galaxy, he gave the club advice regarding prioritising Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford in their project after reflecting on his experience at United (via The Mirror):

Paul Pogba could be the greatest player in his position in the world, in my opinion. He is a decent man who works hard in his training, pays attention, and wants to improve and succeed. He wants to provide his best in every match. Since everyone will talk while you are at that level, he is not really bothered by what is occurring outside. Good, bad, something in between, everyone.

The final paragraph is fascinating because it captures the outside noise that pervaded Pogba’s United story, particularly when Ibrahimovic had just gone because the French midfielder and then-manager Mourinho were at odds. The same summer the Swede signed a free agent contract, he made a spectacular comeback to Old Trafford in a then-record-breaking £85 million transfer.

Pogba’s second spell with the Red Devils was turbulent due to a number of fitness concerns and doubts about his dedication to the team. He failed to reach his full potential and only displayed glimmers of his immense talent, and instead of becoming “the best player in the world,” he departed the club in July 2022 under bittersweet circumstances.

Manchester United stats for Paul Pogba

Rivalry

The UEFA Champions League

The Premier League

The Europa League

FA Cup

League Cup

Looks

157

13.

Twelve

Objectives

One

Helps

Awards/Titles Acquired

One

Ibrahimovic was just as optimistic that Rashford would become a legendary figure at Old Trafford:

“Manchester United’s future lies with Rashford.” I used to think of him more as an individual, but these days he plays more for the group. Instead of only using his skills for himself, he is using them more for the team.

Many people thought the Carrington Academy product would finish his career with his boyhood club, but that hasn’t happened. Rashford was on the rise at the moment and taking on the team’s talismanic duties. With the exception of a stellar 2022–2023 season in which he scored 30 goals, purple patches have been Rashford’s high point in previous years.
Despite breaking into the club’s top 15 all-time goalscoring rankings, the English forward’s career has been hampered by rumours regarding his off-field conduct. The England international’s United career was temporarily ended when Ruben Amorim took over as head coach in November 2024. The Portuguese thought that he wasn’t performing up to par, so they sent him on loan to Aston Villa.

Two players Ibrahimovic suggested were the gems at Old Trafford have been released, and Rashford is expected to depart permanently once the summer transfer window opens. The result of two divisive players who came up through the club’s minor ranks is disastrous.

Man United Stats: Marcus Rashford