Having signed Alexis Sanchez, Manchester United have
certainly improved their attack, giving it a good boost and upgrade. With the
transfer window shutting down on Thursday, we should not be optimistic on any
further arrivals or even any imminent departures. Jose confirmed that there
won’t be any further transfer activity this month. Though the transfer window
shuts in Europe this month, it will remain open in the United States and the
Far East, meaning, the MLS and CSL will still be able to buy players from the
top leagues in Europe. Rumours have already started surfacing, linking top
ageing players to the riches of the USA. One such rumour is Zlatan Ibrahimovic
to LA Galaxy.
The Swede signed a contract extension with United during the
start of season, while he was still recovering from his knee injury, sustained
during the conclusive months of last season. Having recovered in November,
Zlatan made his first appearance for United against Newcastle United from the
bench and since then he has made 6 appearances for United, scoring just once.
At 36 and with a current knee injury, and Alexis Sanchez coming in, it clear
that Zlatan will not get the amount of game time. His recovery is still
stepping up and has started light training.
| LA Galaxy Are Reportedly Interested In Zlatan. |
Manager, Jose Mourinho, thinks that Zlatan will stay until
the end of the season and it’s a big ‘if’ that Zlatan will leave this month. He
says, “Zlatan is in the last year of his contract. If that is true and Zlatan
wants a future in another club in another country we are here to help and to
create conditions for that to happen, not to make his life difficult. The last
thing that Zlatan told me was that he wants to recover totally and feel ready
to help the team, He is working hard to be fit. He is not injured, he is in a
moment of trying to feel really ready for the demands of Premier League
football."
Last season, Jose saw Bastian Schweinsteiger leave the club
and join MLS franchise, Chicago Fire in February. The MLS is a well-known
retirement spot for ageing stars. It has seen the likes of Gerrard, Lampard,
Beckham, Ashley Cole, Kaka and many others hanging up their boots after a last
stand in the USA. The MLS season starts in March, so the clubs would want to
add an experienced marquee signing to boost their squad. Given Zlatan’s illustrious
career, and him being a Globetrotter, wining a title wherever he plays, he
would certainly want to dominate the America’s and would certainly be under the
radar for many MLS clubs. A move to the MLS would definitely guarantee him a
starting spot and plenty of game time, on top of that, a bumper contract and a
significant increase in wages. He currently earns around 225,000 pounds per
week and a move to LA Galaxy could see him earn double the amount.
| Schweinsteiger Joined Chicago Fire From United Last Season. |
However, Jose doesn’t want to lose him, but would help him
seal a move if the player desires. United are currently in a difficult race to
catch Manchester City and stop them from winning the league and with Zlatan on
board, United have the experience and motivation required too. The club have
also qualified for the knock-out stages of the Champions League and will face
Seville in the round of 16. United definitely require skill to challenge for
the competition, but, they also require experience. Sanchez has the Champions
League experience by playing with Barcelona and Arsenal and have Juan Mata, who
has won the trophy with Chelsea in 2012. But, Zlatan has played in the
competition with numerous clubs and given his age and experience, youngsters
like Martial, Rashford, Lingard and main striker Lukaku could benefit, as they
practically do not possess that experience. The fact that there is going to be
tremendous pressure on the young guns to perform and with Zlatan on board, they
would get that guidance and he would act as a mentor to them in order to handle
that pressure in the attacking sector, should he stay. Even though he may not
get the required game time, his vast experience is vital on both, on and off
the pitch.
 |
| Zlatan's Experience Would Be Vital For Lingard, Rashford, Martial And Lukaku. |
In our opinion, Zlatan should see out his remainder of his
contract and move on in the summer to a new club which would assure him game
time. United can also get better alternatives to replace him and the number 10
shirt in the summer.
No comments:
Post a Comment