ZLATAN WANTS TWO YEARS
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is prepared to stay at Manchester United until 2019. The 35-year-old has a 12-month option to extend his current deal at Old Trafford and the expectation is that he will trigger the clause at the end of the season. But sources close to Ibrahimovic insist that he is enjoying life under Jose Mourinho so much that he would be willing to extend his stay beyond next season. It remains to be seen whether United would be open to offering Ibrahimovic a two-year extension. But speaking after United’s EFL Cup Final win over Southampton last weekend, Mourinho said United fans should camp outside Ibrahimovic’s house to ensure he stays at the club.
WAYNE ROONEY would consider a return to Everton this summer as the curtain comes down on his Manchester United career.
Sportsmail revealed last week that Rooney has told friends of his decision to leave after 13 trophy-laden years at Old Trafford. Everton have made no secret of their desire to re-sign the striker, with Ronald Koeman and director of football Steve Walsh talking openly about the prospect. They had a loan bid rejected by United in January. Rooney is willing to listen to what his boyhood club offer in the summer should firm contact be made, although that will involve taking a substantial pay cut on his £230,000-a-week wages. Interest in the 31-year-old persists from China and Major League Soccer in America, but Koeman believes he has ‘two or three years’ left as a Premier League player. The romantic lure of a Goodison Park return could be enough for Rooney, who would not need to uproot his young family from their Cheshire home. For now he stays at Old Trafford and team-mate Antonio Valencia, speaking at the launch of United’s global partnership with online marketplace Aladdin Street, yesterday described how Jose Mourinho has reinvigorated United after the struggles under preceding managers David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. ‘We have that security of playing under a top manager,’ Valencia said. ‘I think a lot has changed. We play with more confidence, with more happiness and with more responsibility. ‘When you bring in new players, top-quality players, that changes the atmosphere. I think we’re all a lot more happy. We still have that responsibility on our shoulders, but you could say a lot has changed. ‘We have to put the fear into teams, the opposition has to feel that when they come here, they have to feel the pressure. That is what we want teams to feel every time they come to Old Trafford.’