Jose Mourinho tips Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Ballon d’Or
Never one to shy away from upsetting the applecart, Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho has thrown star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic into the debate for this year’s ballon d’Or.
The 35-year-old Swede has surpassed all expectations following his free transfer to Old Trafford in the summer, scoring 26 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions as the Red Devils gradually return to the top.
Despite his many achievements with many of Europe’s biggest clubs, Ibrahimovic has never been named a finalist for football’s biggest individual prize – dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronald over the past decade – and Mourinho thinks it’s time to end the streak.
“I think what he has done is amazing,” Mourinho told MUTV.
Zlatan has come big for United this term
“The number of goals he has scored, the two matches at Wembley, the trophies, what he is in the group, and what he means. I think he is absolutely phenomenal. No more words.
“I just gave an interview to a big French magazine with big responsibilities in these big awards, the Ballon d’Or and so on.
“I know about Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. I know what they are and what they are doing but I can’t believe this big man, with the career he is having, I cannot believe he has never won it.
“So why not this season, if he can do something special? If he can win more trophies, reach Stockholm and the Europa League final. Why not this man, who is 35 years old, to get that deserved award?”
Ibrahimovic, who netted a brace as United won the EFL Cup last weekend, has yet to commit his future to the club with his current contract due to expire in May.
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