Zlatan Ibrahimovic is handling older age in right way, says Eric Cantona
Sunday 26 February 2017 10:43, UK
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has become the "right older player" at Manchester United by helping young team-mates, says Eric Cantona.
United striker Ibrahimovic, 35, has scored 24 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions this season, and has become the focal point of Jose Mourinho's attack.
The striker's arrival has meant younger forwards Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have had to make do with supporting roles for much of the campaign, having started just 20 Premier League games between them this season.
Ibrahimovic's impact has led to comparisons with United icon Cantona, who has praised the Swede's handling of his leading role, insisting Ibrahimovic is having a positive impact on the young players at the club.
"He is a great player and a strong personality, he played for Milan, he played for Barcelona so he knows all the about the pressure, he understands it and he has proved that he is also a great man," Cantona, who helped to oversee the development of the Class of '92, told United's official website.
"There are two kinds of older players, the ones that don't like the young ones because they want to play and they can destroy them, and the others who will help.
"I remember when I was 17, I played with [Andrzej] Szarmach. He was Polish, he played in two World Cup semi-finals, he was a great player and he helped me so much. I remember this and said to myself when I am older, I will try to do the same, and I'm sure Ibrahimovic does the same.
"He is very helpful for young players because he is a great player with a strong personality, and he is the right older player who wants to help the younger ones. It's very important to have an experienced player who gives examples to the other ones."
Cantona also backed Mourinho to bring plenty of silverware to Old Trafford before the end of the season, starting with the EFL Cup.
"I think they will win more than one trophy this season and the first one will be this one," he said, ahead of Sunday's EFL Cup final against Southampton.
"Mourinho is a winner, he has won a lot of things and he is a great manager. I think United will win many things."
