Ibrahimovic - the ageless hero

(Baonghean.vn) - The 36-year-old Swedish star once again played the hero role when he scored an important goal to defeat Southampton in the English League Cup final, thereby helping the Red Devils of Manchester to win the first title under Mourinho's reign. With such impressive form, Ibrahimovic is becoming an ageless hero helping the Red Devils to strongly revive.

At the beginning of this season, the Portuguese strategist brought to Old Trafford 4 new players: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Baily, Herikh Mkhitayan and Paul Pogba. Up to now, those contracts are proving their value when helping the Red Devils of Manchester make steady progress in all arenas and stand before the opportunity to win the "treble" when the season officially ends.

In those 4 contracts, "Special One" Mourinho did not spend a penny to get the signature of the star currently playing for Pais Saint - Germain to Old Trafford as a free transfer.

As soon as he arrived at the “Theatre of Dreams”, experts and fans were skeptical about Ibrahimovic’s ability to integrate with the Red Devils of Manchester. Some even said that the Swedish star was past his prime and did not have enough strength to compete in the arena known as the most fierce tournament on the planet. Especially when the former striker of the French capital team had turned 35, an age considered to be on the other side of the slope of his career.

Ibrahimovic is the inspiration that has helped the Red Devils revive strongly recently. Photo: Internet

However, with his excellent goal-scoring instinct and experience from playing in top European leagues, the Swedish striker quickly adapted to the new environment and became the number 1 striker of the Old Trafford team.

Up to now, Ibrahimovic has scored 26 goals after 38 matches played. With that achievement, the Swedish star has become the first Man United player since 2013 to reach the milestone of 20 goals/season (after Van Persie scored 30 goals), in addition to 7 assists for teammates to score.

If we look at the top 3 European leagues, Ibrahimovic has surpassed striker Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo to take second place after Messi in the race for the European "golden shoe".

It is no exaggeration to say that the 36-year-old star's brilliant form is one of the important factors helping the Red Devils of Manchester have a strong revival, making steady progress in every arena they participate in.

In the Premier League, the Old Trafford team has had a series of 16 consecutive unbeaten matches. This is something that no strategist has been able to repeat since Sir Alex announced his farewell to the Red Devils of Manchester. If luckier, the ranking of the team at the "Theatre of Dreams" would have been higher, not the familiar 6th position that they have had to hold since November last year until now.

In terms of Cup tournaments, the Portuguese strategist's team has entered the 1/8 of the Europa League after defeating the French representative, Saint - Etienne, in both home and away matches with a total score of 4 - 0, in which the Swedish super striker scored his first hat-trick in the shirt of the Old Trafford team.

In addition, the former PSG striker also scored the decisive goal to help the team of "Special One" Mourinho overcome the team nicknamed "Black Rose" Blackburn Rovers with a score of 1-2 at Ewood Park stadium, thereby entering his name in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

The Swedish superstar helped the Red Devils defeat Southampton in the English League Cup final. Photo: Internet

Most recently, in the English League Cup final against Southampton, Ibrahimovic continued to shine with 2 goals to help the Red Devils of Manchester overcome the team nicknamed The Saints, thereby bringing home the first official title under the reign of "Special One" Mourinho.

Talking about the role of his favorite student, the Portuguese strategist exclaimed that "Zlatan is very important, but I don't want to say he is the most important", maybe coach Mourinho tried to control his emotions in his compliments for his student.

But Ibrahimovic also showed he was not interested in flowery words, instead focusing on titles when the Swedish star shared: "We are happy that everything is going so well at the most crucial moment of the season. I don't want to talk about distant goals like the Premier League title, but the top 4 and winning other trophies will still make the season successful."

From now until the official end of the season, Ibra and the Red Devils of Manchester will have to go through difficult matches in the domestic league and the Europa League. However, with what the Swedish striker is showing, he continues to play the role of an ageless hero to help the Old Trafford team overcome difficult moments to complete the goal of winning the "treble" and a place in the Top 4 in the Premier League when the season officially ends.

Cao Anh