Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Return Could Be A Spectacular One - Michael Andersson

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Return Could Be A Spectacular One - Michael Andersson

29/8/2017

Michael Andersson, former Malmo coach has expressed his surprise in Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Manchester United return, also jumping in on his contribution to the club when he finally makes it back to the starting line up.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be 36 when he fully returns to play but despite his contributions Manchester United last season great speculations has been up concerning the subject this season but the former Malmo coach believes that Mourinho's fascination in the striker is way beyond his performance on the pitch.

"He had a good influence at United during the year he was there and I think it could be a spectacular comeback," Andersson, who managed Malmo between 2000 and 2001, told ESPN FC.

"He can come back but it is a lot of work for him to come back at his age. I think also it is not just about doing a good job on the pitch, it's also about helping the squad and the coach with his character.

"He wasn't that when he was young but when you see him from the outside, you can see the big influence he has on the club and on the other players, especially when Mourinho was new at the club. It is a big plus for Mourinho to have help from Zlatan."

Jose Mourinho has also told the media he will be including Zlatan to his Champions League Squad which will be submitted to UEFA this week. 

"I'm not surprised he has re-signed for United, but perhaps a little surprised he has signed so early after his injury, yes," Andersson added.

"He has shown a spectacular recovery."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was very young in the Malmo squad when coached by Andersson, though sold to Ajax after a while with the Club, his former boss has only good things to say about a person he knew only when he was very young.

He added: "This time he is not playing the whole season. Maybe he can play a big role in the big moments this season, especially if they have the possibility of advancing in the Champions League.

"He played a lot of matches in his first season at United. I don't think he is going to play that much in the spring, but he can be the difference and help a lot."

He believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic has become better as his age gets higher and that its only in Europe, he will be able to give his best contribution this season. 

"He has changed a lot over the years," he said.

"He has developed so he can help the team and see the important things for the team more and more.

"We thought he had the raw materials but we also knew it was a big step and a lot of things can happen in a career. But he saw that he had everything you need to be a big player. At that time, for him, it was how to handle the talent.

"The last five or six years he has learned how to use his talent more and more effectively. He has learnt to play in the box and not use so much energy all over the pitch. When he was young he would run all over the pitch."