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Former Zlatan Ibrahimovic coach: This is when the Manchester United star could retire
MANCHESTER UNITED star Zlatan Ibrahimovic can continue playing until his 40s, according to one of his former coaches.
By
Jack Otway
PUBLISHED:
07:50, Thu, Jan 19, 2017
| UPDATED: 08:24, Thu, Jan 19, 2017
Ibrahimovic has proved a big hit at Manchester United since signing on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
The 35-year-old has quelled any talk he is too old for the Premier League by bagging 19 goals across all competitions.
Of those, 14 have come in the league – the same amount as Arsenal and Chelsea stars Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa.
It has recently been reported United want to offer him a new deal that will tie the Sweden legend to the club until 2019.
And his former Malmo coach Michael Andersson believes he will still be firing on all fronts at the age of 40.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in stunning form for Manchester United
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“Zlatan’s skills fit United very well,” Andersson told The Sun.
“He always adapts to whatever league he is in. I don’t think him playing until he’s 40 is impossible.
“He has been lucky not to have any serious injuries in his career.
“But it’s not impossible he can play for United for another three or five years.”
Andersson also believes Ibrahimovic winning the title would silence his critics once and for all.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 19 goals for Manchester United
“It’s possible United can still win the title, but it will be tough,” he added.
“It’s the sort of challenge Zlatan loves.
“United are starting to play well and, compared to last season, look like another team.
“Zlatan is responsible for that, along with coach Mourinho.
GETTY
Zlatan Ibrahimovic started his career at Malmo as a teenager
“To win the title with United would confirm his reputation — he’s an all-time European great, plus Sweden’s greatest player.
“And it would end all arguments about him, particularly in Britain where he’s had critics.”
If Andersson's predicition is right, Ibrahimovic will become one of just three players to don the famous red shirt over the age of 40.
Goalkeeper Edwin van Der Sar and club legend Ryan Giggs both managed the feat, retiring in 2011 and 2014 respectively.
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