New Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho thinks the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the club will signal the biggest challenge of the striker’s career.

With a CV boasting titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France​, the Swede has opted for a long awaited move to England at the age of 34 to team up with Mourinho once again after the pair worked together at Inter Milan.

Like many seasoned professionals the striker could have been forgiven for opting for an easier route at this stage of his career like moving to the United States or China for considerably less challenging football, yet a handsome pay cheque.

But testament to the wining mentality of the Swedish star, who is desperate to prove his class in arguably the toughest league in the world, Ibrahimovic is ready for the challenge of turning United back into a Premier League force.

New manager Mourinho is excited at the arrival of the striker and has paid tribute to his achievements.

He wins year after year.” Mourinho told United’s official channel. “His goal record is absolutely amazing, his passion for the game is incredible."

He continued, “To make this decision at this stage of his career, for the biggest challenge of his career."

Mourinho also added, "It’s the biggest club he’s ever played for and the most difficult competition he’s played for.”

Mourinho excited to have Zlatan on board

The new United boss, who was unveiled in front of the media yesterday as he begins life at Old Trafford, has also revealed he is excited to once again team up with Ibrahimovic and has labelled the reunification of the pair as “beautiful.”

The Portuguese boss has said he is pleased to have the Swede on board and knows exactly what he will bring to the United squad next season.

With Ibrahimovic and Eric Bailly already on board and Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund reportedly imminent, the reds appear to be getting their transfer business done as quick as possible as they look to build for a successful campaign.  

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About the author
Ben Strange
Sports journalism at Southampton Solent University