Manchester United’s latest star striker Zlatan IbrahimovicA says he is excited by the prospect of playing alongside Wayne Rooney at Manchester United and described his new team mate as the “perfect partner for a striker”.
The new pairing could make their Old Trafford debut together asAWednesday sees Old Trafford host a testimonial for Rooney against Everton, having linked up to good effect AOn Saturday 5-2 friendly win Aover Galatasaray, whereARooney score twice and Ibrahimovic once.
“I said many years ago the perfect partner for a striker is Wayne Rooney,” Ibrahimovic told club TV on Wednesday.
“He works not only for himself but for the striker and the whole team. I’m absolutely happy to be one of the guys beside him,” 34-year-old added.
Ibrahimovic also praised Rooney’s longevity at Old Trafford, a sentiment echoed by former United manager Alex Ferguson, who has paid his own tribute to the forward in the official programme for Wednesday’s match.
“(Wayne’s) gone on to play for Manchester United for 12 years, which is very difficult in the present day,” said Ferguson.
“I always think that great players can play in any era. Bobby Charlton would have been a great player today and Wayne Rooney would have been a great player back then.”
Rooney has dropped into in a midfield role for UnitedAunder previous boss Louis van Gaal.ABut, new Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has indicated he wants to utilise the 30-year-old further forward.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, a new signing from Bundesliga club Dortmund, is a natural candidate for a role behind the striker, while United’s reported pursuit of AJuventus midfielder Paul Pogba threatens to add further competition in the middle of the pitch.
The Swede, however, is pretty sure that new Red Devils manager Mourinho will certainly find the best wayAof getting the best from United’s talented options.
“I think every big player can work with other big players,” Ibrahimovic continued. “That’s not a problem.
“We are 11 players not two players on the pitch. It’s up to the coach what he wants but, with him, I see no problems, only success.”
