Owen brands Ibrahimovic a ‘stop-gap’ striker, Scholes agrees

Mark Scott
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Dismissed by Michael Owen

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Dismissed by Michael Owen

Michael Owen has called on Man United to sign a “world-class” striker after suggesting Zlatan Ibrahimovic can not be considered first choice.

The former Red Devils forward discussed the legendary Swede’s role within the Red Devils’ squad and said he will not be the long-term option for their attacking line.

“He’s definitely a stopgap striker isn’t he,” said Owen on Thursday night.

“He’s good but we’re talking Manchester United, you need to be one of the best strikers in the world to [be] the regular striker here.

“Jose Mourinho didn’t think the current crop were ready [when he arrived]. Rashford: not ready; Wayne Rooney: probably saw him as a No 10; Martial: didn’t see him as a striker. So [Zlatan] is a stopgap.

“A little bit like a few seasons ago when Robin van Persie was just brought for the one or two seasons [so]…they can find someone else on the market or some young kid can come through.”

Paul Scholes agreed with Owen’s analysis, and added that Ibrahimovic should be acting as mentor for the likes of Marcus Rashford to enable him to become a regular first-team starter in the future.

“He’s [Ibrahimovic] an athlete and a fit lad. He’ll be good to have around the place, for someone like Marcus Rashford to learn from. If at 36 years of age he’s going to be the main striker, then no I don’t see that,” Scholes said.

“When this club was successful – when I was playing, when Michael was playing – we always had three or four brilliant centre forwards. As special as he has been over his career, and as special as he is now, I don’t think he should be the main one.