Ibrahimovic: I wanted to make history at United

On the back of scoring 50 goals in 51 appearances the season before for PSG, Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined Manchester United on a free transfer in the summer of 2016. He was just a couple of months away from his 35th birthday and joining a brand new league, so it would have been understandable for people to question how much impact he would have at Old Trafford.

But in his first season he scored 28 goals in all competitions, including 17 in the Premier League and two goals in our 3-2 win over Southampton in the League Cup final.

Ibrahimovic said he came to United with a point to prove and to write his own story with the club.

They were different from what I was used to. You’re just a number there, I felt. Then, in my mindset, I want to make my own history. I was not interested in what happened before, with all respect. Yes, that brings pressure to live up to what they were used to. But I was not interested in listening to the Class of ’92. That doesn’t help me because it’s not my team and I wanted to do my own history. I wanted people to say, ‘You won and United won this together.’ I was 35. I came to England. People said I’m too old, I should retire, blah blah blah. But this triggers me. This — I will prove you wrong.

Ibrahimovic sung the praises of his manager, Jose Mourinho, who he credited with bringing out the best in him.

Jose was a machine. He brings the best out of you. He’s that person — manipulative. He knows how to get in your head. He knows how to treat you, independent of your level. He reminded me of Capello. But a newer version. Discipline. Hardcore. Intense. Not the soft types. This is what I like. Remember where I came from? My family is tough.

------------
The RoM Manchester United 2024-25 season preview is now available. It includes articles from the country's best football writers about our expectations for the season ahead and our brightest talents, as well as proposed transfer business and which youth players to keep an eye out for. All profit goes to The Christie so please support this fantastic cause.

The post Ibrahimovic: I wanted to make history at United first appeared on Republik Of Mancunia: A Manchester United Blog.