Zlatan Ibrahimovic would have been a United star years ago had Sir Alex had his way according to Hull City boss Mike Phelan
Mike Phelan looks back on his time as Ferguson's assistant as he reveals Ibrahimovic was always on Fergie's radar
MIKE PHELAN has revealed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic was wanted at Old Trafford long before Jose Mourinho came through the door.
Phelan, who was Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant for five years, has stated that his former boss wanted the prolific Swede to join his United side on numerous occasions but the task always proved too difficult for the Scot.
He said: “The size of Manchester United means you want to recruit the very best. It demands it. He had to be a target.
“I am sure he was on the radar many times. But he was at top, top clubs and because of that, even though it was Manchester United, the prospect of him moving to the Premier League was always very slim because he was at the best anyway.
“He has not been outside of one of the top clubs in the world in his career. When somebody has hold of a talent like that they are not looking to let him go until they are ready."
And after Ibrahimovic's contract at PSG ran out in the summer United were finally granted the opportunity to bring the star to the club.
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Many had questioned the signing due to the player's advanced age and large, eye watering wage packet.
But Ibrahimovic has had a storming start to his United career and has found the net in each of his first three competitive games for the club - including two last weekend on his Old Trafford debut against Southampton.
And the 34-year old will be keen to add to his tally of four against Phelan's Hull City side tomorrow, who have proven to be a surprise package in the opening games of the season so far.
Despite having only 13 fit senior players to call upon, Phelan has managed to mastermind two wins out of two.
His Hull side currently sit equal on points with United, Man City and Chelsea at the top of the league.
Phelan even drew comparisons between Zlatan and the United legend Eric Cantona.
He said: “Zlatan has that sense of presence and confidence to handle all that. He is the right player at the right time at the right club.
“Eric was the same. He was certainly a catalyst at our time in 1992. Cantona brought expectation and spirit.
“It looks like they have another one now. Now they expect him to deliver and so far Ibrahimovic is.”
But Zlatan is just one of many dangerous players Phelan's Hull side will have to keep an eye on if they are to stretch their surprise winning start to three at the KC stadium.