TAKE ZLAT Blackmore reckons super Swede is man to rescue under-fire boss Solskjaer
GET Zlatan! That’s the message from Clayton Blackmore, the former Manchester United favourite, as his old club look to halt their worst start to a topflight campaign in 30 years.
The Swede left the club last March to join MLS side LA Galaxy.
But the 37-year-old has already said that he would be open to an Old Trafford return when his current deal expires next month.
For a United side struggling to score goals and looking massively short of creativity, his return could energise Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Blackmore (above) believes that Ibrahimovic is also the man United desperately need to help Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood continue their development – and fire United up the Premier League table.
“We’re lacking a target man and the only thing that is going to save us this season is Ibrahimovic,” said Blackmore.
“He has thrown his name in the hat and he’s probably the best target man you can have.
“He’s 6ft 5in, he’s a black belt and he fancies his chances against anybody.
“He’s still scoring goals, too. We have got rid of so many good strikers – ( Wayne) Rooney went, (Robin) van Persie went, loads of them.
“These players have gone but they haven’t been replaced. Bringing Ibrahimovic in is a no-brainer.
“He doesn’t run, but he doesn’t need to because he is that good.
“There are not many players who can jog around the pitch and control the game, but, when he was here before, we won trophies with him, when he was fit.
“We should try and get him in January or whenever we can because he can lead the line.
“Getting (Robert) Lewandowski would be perfect, too. That’s obviously a big ask, but he’s also the kind of player the club needs. Yes, he’s a bit older, but he’s the kind of player that can help the kids.
“If we played someone up front alongside him, then the goals will come, I’ve no doubt about that.”
United certainly need something to reinvigorate their attacking options. The once great entertainers of English and European football have scored just 17 goals in their past 20 matches.
It’s hardly the kind of statistic that offers hope to a club that won the most recent of their 20 titles in 2013.
The chances of them adding to that tally already look slim, seven matches in, and last Sunday’s defeat to Newcastle increased the pressure on Solskjaer, going into the international break.
Blackmore also believes that United’s involvement in the Europa League does little to improve their chances of league success.
“Playing on a Thursday and then on a Sunday is difficult, we’ve seen that before,” he said. “Next up is Liverpool at home, then Norwich away after a European game in Belgrade.
“Norwich have already shown what they’re capable of this season. That’s why the Premier League is so hard.
“There are no easy games and, once you get on a bad run, it can be incredibly hard to stop it.”