Ince urges Man Utd to snub Mandzukic transfer and re-sign Ibrahimovic

Manchester United should attempt to re-sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic instead of persisting with a move for Mario Mandzukic, according to Paul Ince.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for Croatia striker Mandzukic in January, with the 33-year-old yet to feature for Juventus this season.

But former United midfielder Ince can't see a deal being agreed and believes his former club be better served concentrating their efforts on trying to bring Ibrahimovic back to Old Trafford.

He told Paddy Power (via The Express ): "Zlatan Ibrahimovic seemed to tease going back to Spain, then he's been linked with staying in the MLS, and even Perth Glory.

"But I think, if he wanted to, returning to Old Trafford would be the way to go.

"He'd be great at educating all of these young players that Ole is looking to bring through, an incredible off-pitch influence as well as on the field.

"They need someone who can control the changing room and be a true leader, and he fits that role. He can show the young players how it's done. He would be the Godfather of United's dressing room.

"I can't see Mario Mandzukic happening - so why not take Zlatan?"

"You know that he isn't going to play 90 minutes every game," he added. "But he's a lethal goal scorer ultimately.

"It'd only be a short contract, and you know what he's going to do and that's to score you goals. If you were to bring him on for 15 or 20 minutes he will find the net in that time.

"And we know that United have been struggling with creating chances and not scoring goals – he's the perfect fit.

"He's a completely different forward to anything that they've currently got. I know there's been talk about Mario Mandzukic, which I could never see personally, but for a small period of time I don't see why you wouldn't take Zlatan.

"Anthony Martial is in and out with injuries, Jesse Lingard is inconsistent, and it takes the constant pressure off Rashford."