#4 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The World went crazy when Zlatan announced that he was joining Manchester United via the Social Media. On 1st July 2016, Zlatan joined United as a Free Agent and Old Trafford had a new Number 9. He hit the ground running, scoring the winner as United defeated Leicester City to win the Community Shield. He then went on to score in his Premier League debut at Bournemouth.
In his home debut for United, he scored a brace against Southampton. Old Trafford was ecstatic, they had found a new Number 9 to embrace and he was perfect for United in every way. He was good in the air, and even at his age, he could not be described as slow. He was strong, held the ball perfectly and played well even with his back to the goal. He was a player United desperately needed after 3 disappointing years since Sir Alex retired.
In his first season, he went on to score 28 goals in 46 appearances for United. He was vital in Manchester United’s run at the EFL Cup, as United reached the final, where, against Southampton, Zlatan scored a free kick and a header, in a Man of the Match performance, to help United lift the Trophy. Zlatan was the top scorer of the tournament with 4 goals.
One cannot help but wonder just how much better things could have been for Manchester United by now had Zlatan not damaged his knee by the end of his first season. Defying all odds, though, Zlatan returned to the starting line up next season, helming the Number 10 now, but sadly, could not replicate his form from his first season, even though he scored a goal in the 7 games he played.
Zlatan arrived at United when the club was in deep waters, in terms of performance, and immediately lifted the mood in his first season, leading the way to recovery. His attitude and larger than life personality drew comparisons with the great Eric Cantona, and perhaps in the limited time he had, Zlatan touched United almost as much as the King of Old Trafford. He is already a United legend people will not forget in a hurry.