Zlatan Ibrahimovic

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the world's best strikers with a CV to match but would PSG's outgoing talisman suit Manchester United?

* Manchester United are considering making an offer to Zlatan Ibrahimovic
* As revealed by Sportsmail, United are discussing a one-year contract
* Ibrahimovic is a free agent after deciding to leave Paris Saint-Germain

Manchester United's preparations for an assault on fronts next season has led them to look at outgoing Paris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

As revealed by Sportsmail, United are debating whether to make a formal contract offer for the 34-year-old striker who will be a free agent in the summer.

But how suitable a signing would Ibrahimovic be for United? Sportsmail assesses the various factors to any potential deal...



Manchester United are discussing a one-year contract offer for outgoing PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic

PLAYING STYLE

Manchester United's style of play has been pedestrian ever since legendary figure Sir Alex Ferguson retired from management in 2013. This criticism was levelled at David Moyes and remains prevalent under current incumbent Louis van Gaal. The dynamism of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard has improved matters while the signing of Ibrahmovic wouldn't.

However, the Swede has never been blessed with pace and instead uses his footballing intelligence to gain an advantage over his opponents. His blend of power and deftness of touch could provide a great foil to the aforementioned trio's speed.

TACTICS

Van Gaal plays predominately a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation - with the common denominator being one up front. At present that starting spot belongs to Rashford - something Ibrahimovic would expect to take if he were to join.

At PSG, Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani has had to play second-fiddle to Ibrahimovic by being forced out either wide or on the substitutes bench.

Expect the speed of Martial, Lingard or Memphis Depay down the wings as Ibrahimovic spearheads the attack with captain Wayne Rooney, in behind as a deeper-lying forward.

MARKETABILITY

A champion in Spain, Italy, France and Holland as well as his national team captain, Ibrahimovic's profile in the game is unquestioned. The signing of the veteran would be a marquee one for United and a success commercially for the club too. Ibrahimovic has been the face of PSG for four years and could be pitched as the man to restore United back to the glory days. Shirt sales would significantly rise too.

PERSONALITY

An outspoken character, Ibrahimovic has provided enough memorable quotes to last a lifetime on himself, team-mates and coaches. The Swede could be a galvanising factor in the Red Devils dressing room akin to Old Trafford great Eric Cantona.

Alternatively his strong personality has seen him fallout spectacularly before - with his fractious one-year spell at Barcelona the prime example. For those in Manchester, they would certainly hope the former would occur.

EXPERIENCE

A total of 31 trophies won across multiple countries suggests that this is something that he doesn't lack.

Van Gaal has given several young players their first-team debuts this year - a sign of his faith in their burgeoning careers but also highlighting the lack of experience he has at his disposal.

United have naively dropped points from winning positions this season and natural-born leader Ibrahimovic's game management could help turn those into victories.

With Michael Carrick's Old Trafford future in doubt, captain Wayne Rooney would be the only long-serving player in the squad, so the arrival of Ibrahimovic would lessen the 30-year-old's burden of leading the club.

In addition too, a season learning from one of the world's greatest strikers could prove dividends to Rashford, Martial and James Wilson as they continue their developments.

IBRAHIMOVIC'S TROPHY CABINET

La Liga: 1

Spanish Super Cup: 2

Serie A: 4

Italian Super Cup: 5

Ligue 1: 4

French Cup: 1

French League Cup: 3

French Super Cup: 4

Eredivisie: 2

Dutch Cup: 1

FIFA Club World Cup: 1

Dutch Super Cup: 1

UEFA Supercup: 1

FINANCIAL

Van Gaal has spent £250million during two seasons at Old Trafford - a figure that has yielded no silverware as of yet. Signing Ibrahimovic would cost the club no transfer fee but his wage demands would prove astronomic.

However, United are one of the few clubs who can match his financial demands and if his arrival culminated in silverware then Ed Woodward could justify the outlay.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3594543/Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-one-world-s-best-strikers-CV-match-PSG-s-outgoing-talisman-suit-Manchester-United.html