The Swede will cover for Rooney and Carrick in their absence
Manchester United summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been named a vice-captain for the Red Devils, and will captain the Premier League giants in the absence of Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick.
The 34-year-old has yet to make a competitive appearance for Jose Mourinho’s men, after joining the club as a free agent, having allowed his Paris Saint-Germain contract to expire.
But the former Chelsea boss has not hesitated in making one of the most experienced and prolific player’s in world football an important figure, both on and off the pitch.
He is an experienced leader, having previously captained Sweden, and enjoyed a wealth of success at clubs across Europe, which include Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and PSG.
United youngster Marcus Rashford has already admitted he is keen to learn from Ibrahimovic, during his time at the club, saying he and his teammates need to “take the chance” to learn from the striker.
A Red Devils insider also added: “Some of the other lads, especially the young ones, are in awe of Zlatan.
“He brings a presence to the place and people look up to him after everything that he has achieved through his career.
“He has experience at the highest level and is seen as an obvious captain when the other lads aren’t on the pitch.”
Ibrahimovic was certainly no short of options, after deciding to quit the Parc des Princes last campaign, with the veteran also being touted for a move to Major League Soccer.
However, the striker, who has the option to extend his one-year £200,000-a-week deal at Old Trafford to two years, is clearly confident he is still in good enough physical condition to cope with the demands of the Premier League.
United are understood to be paying £20,000 a month to cover the rent bill at Ibrahimovic’s Cheshire property, on top of paying his lucrative contract. And the striker has also had his £1.5 million fleet of supercars shipped over from France.
