Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Isco
Tim Ireland/Associated Press
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that Manchester United wanted to sign him a year ago, when Louis van Gaal was in charge at Old Trafford.
The mercurial Swede, who arrived in the summer after Jose Mourinho's appointment as coach, said the Red Devils had previously pursued him but it was Mourinho who directly convinced him to move to England, as quoted by Mike McGrath of the Sun:
There were talks about me coming to United one year ago, that is correct. But it was not the right moment.
But then they get the Special One and when the Special One calls, and when he starts to talk to you, you are already convinced.
He didn’t need to talk a lot to convince. I know him from before, what he wants, what his demands are, what he goes for. He is a winner. I see myself as a winner also.
We won when we were young and we will win when we are a little bit older. Not old. Just a little bit older.
Stu Forster/Getty ImagesIbrahimovic's start at United has fluctuated. He scored goals in his opening games, but the team is out of form and lacking a cutting edge.
Mourinho watched on as his side fell to three defeats in a row in all competitions, unable to utilise his superstar players when he needed it most.
The Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst was highly critical of the manager's selection in the recent Premier League defeat to Watford:
Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated PressIn other news, United could target Real Madrid wizard Isco, who has fallen out of favour at the Bernabeu Stadium.
According to the Mirror's Adrian Kajumba, the Manchester superclub are watching the Spain international's situation with interest as they consider a potential £25 million approach in January.
Sport's Alejandro Alcazar wrote that the player and Los Blancos are prepared to go their separate ways, with Isco "free to leave."
The midfielder has completed only 45 minutes of football in La Liga this term, according to WhoScored.com, making two appearances from the bench.
Here is the player in action:
Isco has been one of Europe's most coveted players in recent years, and the 24-year-old possesses the attributes Mourinho needs to partner Paul Pogba in a three-man midfield.
However, Juan Mata's presence could be a stumbling block for any approach, as the former Chelsea player brings a similar skill set to the table.
Isco needs to break free of the shackles in the Spanish capital and find a club that appreciates his ability, allowing him to bloom and mature into a world-class talent.
The Theatre of Dreams would be the perfect platform for the attacker, and his use of the ball would be appreciated by the United faithful, as they crave entertainment.
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