THE BIG GUNS ARE BACK.. AND TAKING AIM AT CITY
Zlatan and Pogba return with a pledge that the runaway leaders CAN be caught
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC overcame some huge hurdles to make his long-awaited comeback for Manchester United.
And, as if to emphasise that point and prove his strength, he vaulted a metal barrier after emerging from the dressing room at Old Trafford, in a characteristic show of bravado and defiance.
It was typical Zlatan, a gesture as flamboyant and daring as his scissor-kick effort on goal after coming on as a 77th-minute substitute to a rapturous reception from the United faithful.
Ibrahimovic doesn’t do humility, but even by his narcissistic standards, the 36-year-old’s recovery from a career-threatening cruciate ligament injury after just seven months has been nothing short of remarkable. The return of the Swede, whose 28-goal debut season at United was cut short by his serious injury, could not have come at a better time for Jose Mourinho’s side as they attempt to reel in leaders and local rivals Manchester City. Ibrahimovic, with customary boldness, claimed United – with him back in their ranks – can do just that, before opening up on his gruelling road to recovery after 212 days out of action. “I think we can chase City, why is it not a possibility?” said Ibrahimovic. “We’re all here because we want to win and we need to, because they’re first. “There’s a possibility for every- thing. Last season w e won two trophies and we’re stronger this season. We believe we can do it – that’s the aim. In my recovery I’ve not rushed anything. The only secret has been working hard.
“Those close to me know what I’ve been doing. I was working five, six hours a day. I couldn’t have done it alone. Thanks to the supporters for keeping me motivated, the coach who’s trusted me, the club that believes in me and my family. “It was an amazing reaction from the fans, but I felt it from day one.
“From the first step in the warmup, with people singing and cheering for you, it’s what keeps you going. If people knew the real injury they would be in shock that I was even playing.
“It was more than the knee, but I will keep it personal – that’s why I choose not to talk of it.
“I’m just thankful I can play football again. I don’t know what the future brings but what happens, happens. I’m at the age where I can choose what I want to do.
“I don’t sign five or 10-year deals, I’m just happy to be back playing and doing what I am good at.”
While Ibrahimovic’s late cameo was a promise of things to come when he is fully fit, of perhaps greater significance was the return of £89million midfielder Paul Pogba.
Out for two months with a hamstring injury, Pogba showed what United missed during his enforced absence with a goal and an assist in an irresistible man-of-thematch display.
Pogba ran the game after Mourinho’s side overcame Dwight Gayle’s early opener to win comfortably. Goals from Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Pogba and Romelu Lukaku – ending a sevengame drought for United – sealing victory.
“I can talk of what Paul brings – big quality,” said Ibrahimovic. “Today it was like he hasn’t been injured.
“He brings such big quality, a different quality, while I bring experience and mine.
“This week the manager has been very happy because he has a full team for the first time this season and as a coach you want those opportunities to make changes.”
Mourinho rarely cracks a smile these days but has reasons to be cheerful with Zlatan, Pogba and Marcos Rojo – an unused sub – back to boost United ahead of a busy period and the potentially title racedefining Manchester derby at Old Trafford in three weeks’ time.