Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke highly about Wayne Rooney ahead of his testimonial game for Manchester United today. The Swedish striker was brought in by Jose Mourinho on a free after he decided not to extend his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
The addition of a striker at the club has put question marks over the position of Rooney in the team. But earlier in the summer, the captain cleared up questions over the issue stating that he had discussed it with Mourinho and he’ll be playing in the No. 10 role.
Now Zlatan has also given his opinion on what role suits Rooney the best. The Swede complimented the Englishman on MUTV saying,, “I said many years ago the perfect partner for a striker is Wayne Rooney. He works not only for himself but for the striker and the whole team. I’m absolutely happy to be one of the guys beside him.”
Rooney only began playing in that role towards the end of last season and he excelled at the position as well, playing exceptionally well in certain matches Zlatan believes that’s where his captain should be deployed in this season as well.
But Mourinho does have a slight dilemma when it comes to the playmaker role. Henrikh Mkhitaryan also joined Zlatan at United and now the club has a plethora of options in the playmaker position.
If Rooney plays in the hole then Mkhitaryan might have to play on the right wing which was the position he made his own at Borussia Dortmund. It looks to be all going according to plan and if Jose does manage to pull off the signing of Paul Pogba it would arguably make them title favourites.
No ego clashes between big players: Zlatan
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was quick to emphasise that too many big players in a team are not a problem. The striker has had his fair share of feuds in the past but he siad that there is no lack of harmony at the club.
“I think every big player can work with other big players. That’s not a problem. We are 11 players not two players on the pitch. It’s up to the coach what he wants but, with him, I see no problems. Only success.”
It’s good to hear from the forward, but we will have to wait and see what happens when the intensity of league is thrust upon him and his teammates.
