Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho hails Zlatan Ibrahimovic but warns no-one is 'untouchable'

Despite a recent goal draught, the striker has comfortably settled in to life in the Premier League

Samuel Lovett
Wednesday 19 October 2016 15:09 BST
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored six goals for United this season
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored six goals for United this season

Jose Mourinho has hailed Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his impressive start at Old Trafford – but warned that neither he nor any of Manchester United's big stars are untouchable.

Despite a recent goal draught, the Swedish striker has comfortably settled in to life in the Premier League and has netted six times since his free transfer to United this summer.

Mourinho’s men are bidding for their second Europa League win this Thursday when they line up against Fenerbahce at Old Tarfford. Speaking ahead of the match, Mourinho was full of praise for the veteran forward.

"I’m really happy. He’s giving us exactly what we need from him," Mourinho said.

“It’s quite beautiful for me to meet him five or six years later [after they worked together at Inter Milan] and to find the same ambition, passion and desire to play, desire to compete.

“I couldn’t be happier. The guy is really fit. He’s always ready to play. I couldn’t be happier in terms of his influence in the dressing room.

“Obviously he’s somebody that the young guys look at and what they see is great for them.”

Mourinho wasn’t the only one singing Ibrahimovic’s praises. Left-back Luke Shaw remarked that the 35-year-old has helped boost the side’s morale.

“When I came in there was a few big leaders that left," Shaw added.

“But if you look at the squad we have some experienced ones as well as younger players like myself. Ibra brings a lot to the dressing room. He tells so many jokes and everyone wants to listen.

“It’s good for squad morale. I think it’s starting to show on the pitch that we are more together now as a team.”

But Mourinho was quick to stress that none of his players are “untouchable”, as evidenced by his recent dismissal of captain Wayne Rooney who has started on the bench for United’s past two games.

“Nobody is untouchable now,” Mourinho stated.

“Untouchable in our team I think has to be the spirit, the commitment, the pride, the commitment to the club, the respect to the fans. That has to be untouchable, but not players.”

A win against Fenerbahce on Thursday will see United overtake their Turkish opponents in Group A of the Europa League. After the embarrassment of a 1-0 loss to Feyenoord last month, United have the chance to put their Europa League campaign back on course.

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