Finding His Feet in the English Isles

For United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, eight goals in 17 matches across all competitions is a startling decline from his 50 goals in 56 fixtures for Paris Saint-Germain last season. It’s all the MORE WORRISOME when viewed against fellow 2016/17 Premier League forwards like Diego Costa (12 in 16), Sergio Aguero (14 in 15) and Romelu Lukaku (10 in 13).

- Francis Kelly

“I am coming. I am excit-ed. I am Zlatan.” That was the message that greeted Manchester United fans when Swedish hotshot Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed he had signed for Jose Mourinho’s team in the summer. That, along with a clear statement of intent — there was to be no sideshow, only one objective mattered: “I have come to win, I haven’t come to waste time.” Well he came, he scored, but he’s certainly not conquered anything. Yet!

For while his most recent performance — and crucially his two goals — helped end United’s five-match Premier League winless run (after securing a 3-1 away victory over Swansea), it came against a side joint bottom of the League. All too willing to capitulate, Swansea at times gave little indication of wanting to prevent relegation, a fate they currently seem destined for, as they were brushed aside with the meekest of efforts.

THE EASE WITH WHICH