What’s the story?
Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been offered a staggering 20 million-a-year salary to stay at Old Trafford, according to English news outlet, The Mirror. The Red Devils have apparently missed out on Antoine Griezmann and are thus desperate to keep the Swedish superstar at the club, hoping that a blockbuster deal will see the 35-year-old stay for the 2017/18 Premier League season.
Previously...
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has already made it known that he wants Ibrahimovic to stay, saying “We all believe he will stay one more season. He left me once before because he wanted to go to Barcelona [From Internazionale in 2009]. That made me sad. We don’t beg but if needed, United fans go to his house and sit there all night.”
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The heart of the matter
It is no secret that Manchester United have placed a contract extension offer on the table for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, the Swede wants to guarantee that the Red Devils play in the UEFA Champions League next season before signing on for next year.
According to the report, Manchester United have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Antoine Griezmann, which leaves them flush with funds. Jose Mourinho is hoping that making Zlatan the best-paid player in the Premier League (£450,000-a-week)will tempt him into committing his future, irrespective of United’s Champions League qualification status.
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The Swede did come in for criticism from Mourinho recently, who said his forwards did not do justice to United’s defensive unit after a 1-1 draw against Anderlecht. Zlatan agreed with his manager, saying “I think he is right in this matter because today I wasn't feeling good in the sense of I was feeling tired. “
What next?
Given that Zlatan has scored 28 goals and assisted 10 times in 44 games for Manchester United, it is fair to say that he has been the best player at the club, even earning a PFA Player of the Year nomination. The Red Devils will be desperate to see him stay and cannot afford to be on tenterhooks about his signature going into next season.
Author’s Take
£450,000-a-week is a lot for a 36-year-old in probably the final year of his professional career, but given the dearth of top-level strikers, Manchester United probably cannot afford to let Zlatan go. There’s probably a lot of truth to this rumour, especially given Manchester United’s financial wherewithal.
