Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes the deal to bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford would never have occurred under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson, according to a report in The Sun.
The 34-year-old became new United boss Jose Mourinho’s second signing on Friday after the £30m capture of Eric Bailly. The Swede signed a one-year deal last Friday that put an end to months of mounting speculation and reports suggest that deal includes a weekly wage of £200k.
Meulensteen, who departed the club in 2013 following Sir Alex’s retirement, believes that such a deal would not have happened under the 13-time Premier League winning manager. He cites the Scot’s belief in youth as the reason why he wouldn’t have signed Ibrahimovic.
He said: “Maybe nine times out of 10 he would not have made a decision like this.
“That is because of everything that Alex Ferguson wanted to do with youngsters — bring them through and improve them as players.
“In this situation he brings a bit more charisma and personality. Jose Mourinho has worked with him before and had no hesitation signing him.”
Though Meulensteen maintains Sir Alex was a staunch advocate of promoting youth, the Dutchman admits there are some similarities between the Ibrahimovic deal and the £24m move for Robin van Persie in 2012.
The then 29-year-old played an integral role in helping Sir Alex land his 13th and last Premier League title, but Meulensteen believes the deal was helped by the fact that Van Persie had Premier League experience.
The former Fulham boss said: ‘It is like the Van Persie deal.
“Obviously, the strategy was trying to bring in young talented players with potential and build it — but with Van Persie it was a different reason.
“Robin was a proven player. If you look at Ibrahimovic, there is a slight risk as he has never played in the Premier League.”
Rene Meulensteen: Ibrahimovic Deal Would Have Never Happened Under Sir Alex - #ManchesterUnited, #ReneMeulensteen, #Sport, #ZlatanIbrahimovic - Linksop
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