Wednesday 25 May 2016 11:45, UK
Ray Wilkins expects Jose Mourinho to buy proven talent for Manchester United and believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be the perfect place to start.
Mourinho has agreed personal terms with United to succeed Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, with Ibrahimovic widely reported to be his top priority once the contracts are signed and he formally takes charge.
Ibrahimovic is a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, having scored 50 goals in 51 games last season, and Wilkins believes he would be the perfect first signing for Mourinho, who enjoyed a productive time with the Sweden striker while manager at Inter Milan.
"Lots of United fans are saying he's too too old at 34," Wilkins told Sky Sports News HQ. "Bear in mind he's played 51 games this year and scored 50 goals. People say 'that's only in France' but you still have to score them. That's at international level, Champions League level, so you're playing against the best.
"I think he's got the correct character, the correct standing in the game. He is Cantona-esque coming into Old Trafford. I think he's got a lot in his legs. This guy would be a marquee signing and you haven't got to pay any money for him, only his wages.
"United need characters, charisma back at the club and he would give them that. It would probably only be a one-year contract, but it's well worth the gamble."
Van Gaal was praised for giving youth a chance in his two years at the club, while his biggest transfer deal was the £36m signing of 19-year-old Anthony Martial from Monaco.
And while Martial has enjoyed an excellent first season and is expected to develop into one of Europe's finest talents, Wilkins believes it is time for United to buy for now, not the future.
"I think what you'll find with the person coming in is that he'll buy proven and not potential," he added. "I think there is a lot of potential being bought, but Manchester United can't buy potential.
"They have to be ready to go on a stage, not just physically, but they have to be mentally very tough."
