It’s home, Swede home for Zlatan
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is poised to play his first game for Manchester United today, while Bastian Schweinsteiger moves closer to the Old Trafford exit. Ibrahimovic has been named in a 23-man squad by boss Jose Mourinho for an International Champions Cup tie against Galatasaray. And with the game being played in Gothenburg, it will be a fitting place to start his United career for the icon of Swedish football. Ibrahimovic, 34, who joined United on a free transfer from Paris SaintGermain at the start the month, retired from international football following Euro 2016 after winning 116 caps for Sweden. Schweinsteiger yesterday followed suit by calling time on international football. The former Germany captain and World Cup winner, who retires after making 120 appearances for his country, has closed one chapter on his career and will soon be looking to start another after being deemed surplus to requirements by Mourinho. The midfielder, 31, was not selected for today’s game and is not part of Mourinho’s plans after admitting he struggled in his first season as a player at Old Trafford. Schweinsteiger said: “Over the past year, I haven’t been able to gather enough match practice and I have lost a bit of rhythm.” Despite that, the former Bayern Munich legend was taken to Euro 2016 by Germany coach Joachim Low to put the seal on an outstanding 12-year stint with his national side. Schweinsteiger added: “Winning the World Cup with the team in 2014 is an achievement that I will never beat as a footballer. We achieved something emotional and historical, which will now never be repeated in my career.”
Mourninho sees the future at Old Trafford in the shape of Paul Pogba, who is finally set to seal his £100m move to United from Juventus this weekend.
He will join fellow new boys Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – who are also set to play in Gothenburg – with captain Wayne Rooney impressed with Mourinho’s transfer-market business, saying they will be winners again before long.
United ended a three-year wait for a trophy when they lifted the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal last season, but that was not enough to spare the Dutchman the sack as his team again failed to challenge for the league title they last won under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Rooney, set to make his first appearance under Mourinho today, said: “He’s great to work under and he has brought a winning mentality back to the club. We have to win and we have to deliver for him. There’s pressure on the players but we’re ready and this season we’ll give a real challenge on all fronts.
“He’ has made some great signings who have gelled really well with the squad, so it’s exciting times. The training has been hard but enjoyable. We know it’s a big season for us.”