Zlatan Ibrahimovic has enjoyed a near-faultless start to his Manchester United career, and his manager wants to make absolutely sure that continues by wrapping him in proverbial cotton wool.
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A winning goal on his debut in the Community Shield, was quickly followed by three goals in his first two league games against Bournemouth and Southampton.
After scoring four goals in his first three matches for United, Ibrahimovic struggled to have as much of an impact in the 1-0 victory against Hull.
But with the free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain having announced his worldwide retirement following Sweden’s Euro 2016 campaign, Mourinho admits he will give Ibrahimovic an extended break this week to ensure he is fully rested by the time Pep Guardiola’s team arrive at Old Trafford on September 10.
“At age 34 years, a player needs to rest”, said Mourinho Mirror. “You can’t play 70 matches”, said Mourinho. “So I give the other guys, who are not selected for the national teams, two days-and I give four days to Zlatan”, Mourinho said.
“It depends on the situation. So four matches – he played 360 minutes – four days off for the big guy”.
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Having retired from representing Sweden following their Euro 2016 exit, Zlatan won’t be involved in worldwide duty this week or indeed, ever again.
