How Manchester United could look with Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refuses to rule out transfer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to rule out a Manchester United return for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The LA Galaxy striker is still continuing to plunder goals in MLS and this week teased a return to Old Trafford to help his former side.
With Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez joining Inter Milan, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are the only senior strikers for the Red Devils.
And Ibrahimovic suggested a return to his former side could be a possibility.
“I could play easy in the Premier League, so if United needs me, I’m here,” the Swedish striker said.
But Solskjaer was a tad more reserved on the situation, suggesting the former Barcelona striker’s age could be an issue.
“If he was 28 not 38 next month, there’s a big difference,” the United boss said.
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“Zlatan had a great time here, he’s still doing well, it’s unfortunate he got his injury here.
“Who knows, he knows my number, he looked at my house [to rent]. We can speak a native language; if he’s serious I’ll always speak to Zlatan.”
Asked later on whether he’d seriously consider him coming back: “I don’t think that’ll happen, no. I think he’s had his time at the club, he’s had a fantastic career at the club.”
Regardless, here at talkSPORT.com, we started to think about how the giant Swede could fit into Solskjaer’s plans were he to make a sensational return.
Check out the possible formations below!
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Option A) 4-4-2 Diamond
Some of United’s best performances last season came on the back foot, away from home and in a 4-4-2 formation.
Defensively sound and primed to counter attack, Solskjaer toppled some of the biggest clubs at home and in Europe by playing this formation.
With Pogba deployed on the left of the midfield, the World Cup winner can drift in and wreak havoc by playing off a target man like Ibrahimovic.
Option B) 4-3-3
Daniel James has made an instant impact at Manchester United and playing alongside someone as experienced as Ibrahimovic would be hugely beneficial to the Wales international.
Zlatan can hold the ball up for the likes of James and Anthony Martial to cut inside and provide a direct threat.
With Scott McTominay anchoring midfield, Andreas Pereira can play alongside Pogba in midfield to also get in behind and beyond the forwards.
Option C) 3-5-2
The signing of Harry Maguire has presented Solskjaer with a terrific opportunity to mix up his style.
The England international can play on the left-hand side of a three-man defence and use his dribbling and passing ability to drive the Red Devils forward.
Alongside Rashford, Ibrahimovic can afford to even drop into a No.10 role or into a wider position. This liberated style of play will suit the 37-year-old as he reaches the latter stages of his career.