The Zlatan Ibrahimovic Interview: A Look Back at His Time at Manchester United and Playing Under Jose Mourinho

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has opened up about his time at Manchester United and playing under Jose Mourinho in the Premier League.

Ibrahimovic, 42, spent almost two seasons at Old Trafford after joining the club as a 35-year-old in 2016 on a free transfer from PSG.

Mourinho was key to signing the striker, who has previously played under him at Inter Milan.

Ibrahimovic’s time with the Red Devils went better than many expected, with the Swede scoring a respectable 29 goals in 53 appearances for the club.

He won both the Europa League and League Cup during a successful 2016/17 campaign.

But after injury ruled him out of the majority of his second season with the club, Ibrahimovic left to join LA Galaxy in March after United agreed to terminate his contract.

Ibrahimovic has now opened up on his time at Old Trafford, admitting he felt like “just a number” when playing for the Premier League side.

“They were different from what I was used to,” he told The Athletic.

“You’re just a number there, I felt. Then, in my mindset, I want to make my own history. I was not interested in what happened before, with all respect.

“Yes, that brings pressure to live up to what they were used to. But I was not interested in listening to the Class of ’92. That doesn’t help me because it’s not my team (that I support) and I wanted to do my own history.

“I wanted people to say, ‘You won and United won this together.'”

Ibrahimovic believes he proved his doubters wrong during his brief spell in English football, and says new Fenerbahce head coach Mourinho was key to his success.

“I was 35. I came to England. People said I’m too old, I should retire, blah blah blah. But this triggers me. This — I will prove you wrong,” added Ibrahimovic, who is now acting as an adviser at AC Milan on behalf of the club’s owners RedBird Capital Partners.

“Jose was a machine. He brings the best out of you. He’s that person — manipulative. He knows how to get in your head. He knows how to treat you, independent of your level.

“He reminded me of [Fabio] Capello. But a newer version. Discipline. Hardcore. Intense. Not the soft types. This is what I like. Remember where I came from? My family is tough.”

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Ibrahimovic’s comments provide a fascinating insight into his time at Manchester United and his relationship with Mourinho.

It is clear that Ibrahimovic felt undervalued at Old Trafford, and that he was not particularly interested in the club’s history or traditions.

However, he also credits Mourinho with helping him to succeed in England, and he believes that the Portuguese coach is one of the best in the world.

Ibrahimovic’s time at Manchester United was ultimately cut short by injury, but he left the club with a respectable record, and he remains one of the most iconic players to have played for the Red Devils in recent years.