Zlatan insists Rooney’s powers are not on the Wayne
Wayne Rooney ended last season shoehorned into midfield for both club and country – but Zlatan Ibrahimovic has given his new Manchester United team-mate his full support.
Rooney is no longer the teenage whippersnapper that lit up Old Trafford on debut with a hat-trick against Galatasaray in 2004.
And for the first time in his career, his status as both United and England’s talisman is being put to the question after a lukewarm campaign that saw him make way for sprightlier legs up front.
New United boss Jose Mourinho has already stated that the only position the 30-year-old will be playing is as a striker under his stewardship.
And while a potential strike partnership between Rooney and a 34-year-old Ibrahimovic is unlikely to stretch defences, the new man on campus is adamant they can prove a success.
“It’s not easy to be in top clubs for so many years. Players come and go. Top players are coming and going but he is still staying,” said Ibrahimovic.
“He has performed at the top every year. I think he is a perfect example for young players to look at and take after. He’s been playing such a long time for a top club and giving results year after year. Not everybody can succeed with that but he is one of them. I’m very happy I’m in his team and will do my best to help him win.”
(Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)
Indeed, according to the Swede, linking up with Rooney is a fulfilment of one his career ambitions.
“I think every big player can work with other big players,” added Ibrahimovic, who is likely to make his competitive debut for United against Leicester City in the Community Shield this Sunday.
“That’s not a problem. We are 11 players not two players on the pitch. It’s up to the coach what he wants but, with him, I see no problems. Only success.
“I said many years ago the perfect partner for a striker is Wayne Rooney. He works not only for himself but for the striker and the whole team. I’m absolutely happy to be one of the guys beside him.”
