Christophe Galtier compares Zlatan to Manchester United legend

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Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been a big hit since moving to Old Trafford from France.

Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Since arriving at Old Trafford from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been a big hit amongst Manchester United fans. Despite being 35-years-old, the Swede is showing no signs of slowing down in the latter stages of his career, scoring 20 goals in his first 34 appearances for his new club.

Grabbing plaudits not just in England but all over the world of football, Saint-Etienne manager Christophe Galtier has recently been speaking about the striker in the lead up to United’s Europa League tie with French side Saint-Etienne.

The Les Verts manager, who is a friend of former Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, has compared United’s Swedish striker to their French legend, quoted in a recent article in The Telegraph:

“As with Jose Mourinho he is different from the image,” he said. “He has a big, big, big, big, massive personality. But every time I met him there was mutual respect.

“I love those kind of players. They are strong. Very strong. When I look at Ibra I think of Eric Cantona. Big personality. He can get mad in one second, say big things, and then, ‘OK, I said it.’ But, above all, an incredible player. And he scores. Goals, goals, goals. Lots of people said he would find it difficult in England but, already, 20 goals.”

Eric Cantona in action for Manchester United

Galtier also went on to add that Ibrahimovic was a: “great professional. He sets an example. I think that’s why they brought him to Manchester.

“Like Cantona. I have some friends in Paris and they told me all the time: ‘If you give the ball here rather than there he will kill you.’ But that’s important to the young players. Even after the training session he [Ibrahimovic] stayed in the gym for another hour and the young players they see this and they go there also. He’s like that at 35 because he’s always been like this.”

Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic

With Manchester United still pushing for a top four finish, players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic are still set to play a big part in the rest of the Red Devils’ season, and could well end up being one of the best signings of the season come the end of this Premier League campaign.