Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has revealed his admiration for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and has urged supporters to give Jose Mourinho more time to build a trophy-winning squad, the club website reports.
Ibrahimovic characteristically continues to defy the odds in his ripe age and has so far scored 28 goals in 48 matches for United in his first Premier League season.
The Swedish striker’s has never failed to produce the goods, having played for a variety of elite clubs in Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Vidic reveals he never doubted Zlatan to do the same at Old Trafford.
“I always knew he was a top player.” Vidic told manutd.com. “I played a few times against him – he has played at different clubs, won many trophies and scored goals everywhere so it was no surprise to me that he is scoring goals.
“But to be 35 years of age and fit to play every match…English football is different but he adapted fast and in general he has been consistent the whole season so I am really impressed by him especially the mentality that he still has and the hunger to play and score goals.
“At 35 years of age that is not easy because I am 35 and, to be fair, I am a bit tired of football and I need sometimes off to rest, but he seems like he is still enjoying playing football and that he feels good on the pitch.
“It’s good for the club and I hope that he will continue to be fit and will perform like he has been for most of the season. I admire his presence. He is good with the ball and he is good in the build ups and of course when he is in the box he is a threat.
“To be fair, he was never continuing on speed as a player and that is a positive sign that he can do well again next year.”
Ibrahimovic’s future at United remains uncertain amidst doubts he will not take advantage of his one-year extension to his contract, opting for a move to the MLS instead.
Vidic has also expressed his support and appreciation for Jose Mourinho and has said that he believes the Portuguese is doing the right things at Old Trafford.
Vidic said: “We are not in the position we would like to be of course but we are fighting for the Champions League. Before the season you always think United should compete for the title but it is not easy.
“Mourinho came and brought in four players, but to build a winning team you need time, six months is not enough, but I do believe the team is growing.
“Mourinho has been in charge of big teams and won trophies in different countries so he has experience and I believe he knows what he is doing. I am looking forward to next season.
“But this season realistically if we can get Champions League and the cup we won already then we have to be satisfied this year.”
