Manchester United Transfer News: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Matteo Darmian Rumours

Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned down the chance to earn a staggering €100 million (£86.6 million) playing in China to sign for Manchester United, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

The veteran forward joined the Red Devils on a free transfer in the summer after his contract expired with Paris Saint-Germain, and he’s enjoyed an impressive start to life at Old Trafford. Given his talent, it’s no surprise Ibrahimovic had other options, although Raiola has revealed just how lucrative they were.

“Ibrahimovic is the best,” the agent told Il Giornale (h/t Goal). “He turned down €100 million net from the Chinese! He doesn’t want more money, he wants to win.”

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Winning has come easy for Ibrahimovic in his career, having lifted league titles in France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Despite his advancing years, there are signs he will have a similarly talismanic impact at his new club.

Indeed, already the centre-forward has made some key contributions. Per Squawka Football, he’s United’s top goalscorer this term:

Ibrahimovic has brought more to the Red Devils than his goal return too. It’s been a long time since United could call on a striker with his kind of physicality, as the Swede can pin defenders, win aerial battles and muscle his way into dangerous positions.

What’s always been the main strength of Ibrahimovic is the manner in which he marries that power with technical flair. Again, that’s a trait that’s brought something refreshing to the United attack. Per ESPN’s Alex Shaw, there’s an authority about the 34-year-old:

For a lot of players, this point in their career would be ideal to move to another continent, rake in some money and slowly wind down their playing days. By contrast, Ibrahimovic has shown he still has so much to offer at the highest level, and it’s a testament to his longevity he remains such a massive threat.

United may be a little off the pace in their pursuit of the Premier League title already, but with a winner like Ibrahimovic leading the line, the Red Devils will surely be in the mix come the end of the campaign.

Inter Milan Favourites for Matteo Darmian

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According to Calcio Mercato (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), Inter Milan lead the race to secure the signing of Matteo Darmian from Manchester United in January.

It’s suggested that while the likes of Juventus and Roma were looking at recruiting the versatile defender during the summer, the Nerazzurri are the only side keen on a deal midseason.

Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) has stated Inter are very close to getting the deal done. A loan move with an obligation to purchase has been mooted. The player is also said to be interested in making the switch to Milan.

Darmian has fallen out of favour since manager Jose Mourinho was appointed at Old Trafford. As noted by Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News, even when the boss has sought to rotate his squad, Darmian has struggled to get a look in:

That’s a shame for a player who enjoyed a fine start to his United career. Darmian blossomed early in the 2015-16 season, although the momentum he built up was sapped by injury issues.

A return to Serie A would seem sensible. Darmian excelled in the division previously with Torino and would be an upgrade to the options currently available to manager Frank de Boer at the San Siro.