Zlatan Ibrahimovic defies age and Man United’s transfer policy to lead Mourinho’s top four charge

Manchester United are not particularly used to signing free agents approaching their 35th birthday. Such transfers would normally be derided as incongruous for a club looking to launch a challenge for the Premier League title for the first time in four seasons, but then Zlatan Ibrahimovic has never been one to conform to the usual rules. The Swedish striker’s arrival at Old Trafford in July sparked a great deal of excitement among the club’s supporters, but there were also concern that the former Paris Saint-Germain frontman was past his best and unlikely to be able to play week in, week out in the Premier League while in the autumn years of his career. Ibrahimovic, 35, also faced the prospect of living up to the expectations of a great spell in Ligue 1 where he plundered 113 goals in France’s top tier between 2012 and 2016, including an astonishing 38 goals in 31 appearances last season. Read more: ■ Predictions: The Premier League's Boxing Day fixtures ■ Team of the season so far: Chelsea provide the spine ■ Best of 2016: Five best Premier League players this year After 17 games of the current campaign, it is safe to say that Ibrahimovic has successfully shown he still has plenty to offer. Two goals against West Bromwich Albion in his most recent match took his tally for the season to 11 — only Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa have scored more often — and moved Jose Mourinho’s men to within three points of the top four. It has not been entirely plain sailing for the man who has won league championships in France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, though. In 11 outings between the middle of the September and the start of November, Ibrahimovic contributed just a single goal, that against Ukraine’s Zorya in the Europa League. Particularly profligate performances against Burnley and Stoke City (shots 18, goals 0) played a significant part in United failing to win on both occasions, as the calls for either Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford to be deployed up front in his place grew louder. It would take far more than just a short barren run in front of goal for Ibrahimovic to suffer a crisis of confidence, though. Two against Swansea City seven weeks ago proved to be the start of another hot streak, with the Swede now having netted 10 times in his last nine games in all competitions. Another impressive statistic is the amount of matches Ibrahimovic has been involved in. Including the Community Shield, United have contested 27 fixtures so far this season and Ibrahimovic has only missed two, featuring for 2,102 minutes out of a possible 2,430. He may have lost some of his mobility but he remains supremely fit, while his touch and technique are as impressive as ever, while his hold-up play remains effective. “I told him England is not the best place for holidays,” Mourinho said after Ibrahimovic’s fine finish earned United all three points at Crystal Palace last week, recalling a conversation he had held with the striker in the summer. “When a rich guy with a phenomenal career wants holidays, he does not come to England,” Mourinho said. “You come to England if you want to be in the most difficult league in the world, if you want to prove yourself and show what you can do. “His decision to come was based on that, so I’m really happy because it’s not just about goals. His goals, his leadership, his motivation: I’m really happy.” With a new No 9 to worship, United fans share their manager’s joy. Pardew exit no surprise The axe had been hovering above Alan Pardew’s head for a number of weeks before it finally fell on Thursday. Just under two years after taking charge of Crystal Palace, the former Newcastle United manager was fired following a run of one victory in 11 matches. Pardew, 55, had temporarily alleviated some of the pressure with a 3-0 triumph over Southampton at the start of the month, but a return of only one point from subsequent clashes with Hull City, Manchester United and Chelsea was deemed unsatisfactory by the club’s hierarchy. While there is no shame in being defeated by either United or the Premier League leaders, it is worth remembering that Palace’s problems stretch back much farther than the last few weeks. Since Christmas 2015, Pardew won only six of 38 league matches and amassed just 26 points. That is relegation form and although a run to the FA Cup final shifted some of the focus away from the league last season, there is only so long that five additional knockout ties beyond the third round can be used as an excuse. Several of his off-pitch decisions were questioned by players and supporters alike, chiefly the puzzling move to strip Mile Jedinak of the captaincy before selling him to Aston Villa. And while there is certainly room for improvement as far as squad depth is concerned, Pardew was heavily backed in the summer transfer market and had seasoned internationals such as Yohan Cabaye, Christian Benteke and Steve Mandanda to call upon. Add in James McArthur, Wilfried Zaha, Andros Townsend, and Scott Dann and Palace have the makings of a solid mid-table team. Instead, they head into Monday’s clash with Watford just one point and one place above the drop zone. Pardew can have few complaints. Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport

Zlatan Ibrahimovic defies age and Man United’s transfer policy to lead Mourinho’s top four charge

Greg Lea focuses on the impact made by Zlatan Ibrahimovic since his move to Manchester United.