Man Utd No7 shirt: Why Zlatan Ibrahimovic should take the jersey if he seals return

JOSE MOURINHO is a confident man. A man used to having the eyes of the world on him. So his words about Zlatan Ibrahimovic potentially returning to Manchester United will no doubt have fans excited.

Ibrahimovic stars in brand new Zlatan Legends game

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is too slow, too old and too arrogant to be a Manchester United hit.

That was the consensus among opposition fans a year ago when the Red Devils lured him to Old Trafford on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

But, and only the most pernickety fans will disagree, Zlatan Ibrahimovic proved himself to be the club's best signing since Robin van Persie touched down from Arsenal in 2012. 

Those who say Anthony Martial should rethink that. The same with Paul Pogba. Both players have shown glimpses of their undisputed talent but Ibrahimovic is the only player in recent years to talk the talk and walk the walk. 

He lived up to his blockbuster billing sensationally last season. 28 goals across all competitions - 17 in the Premier League - were arguably what kept Jose Mourinho in the job. 

They won the Europa League without him, fine. But the EFL Cup? That was all his doing.

A bullet free-kick at Wembley was then matched with an emphatic header against a stubborn and resilient Southampton side back in February. It was a stage fit for a King, and boy did he deliver.

And he may be back. Back to bully more defences, back to add to his goal tally, back to show Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford who the best striker at the club really is. 

Which is why he deserves the No7 shirt.

His old No9 has been taken by Lukaku - with Ibrahimovic's blessing of course. The Belgian's words about asking the veteran about whether he was able to take it was a clear hint Ibrahimovic is expected to be back for more.

No10 is vacant, now that Wayne Rooney has gone. But, for a player with the ego of Ibrahimovic, would he really want to settle for that? 

Everybody knows the No7 is sacred at United. Forget the shambolic signings of Memphis Depay and Angel Di Maria who have taken it in recent years. Hop into your time machine instead.

Manchester United Zlatan Ibrahimovic Cristiano Ronaldo Gareth BaleGETTY

Manchester United should give Zlatan Ibrahimovic the No7 shirt if he returns

George Best wore it in the '60s and '70s. Bryan Robson in the '80s and late '90s. David Beckham in the 90's and early 00's. 

And, bookending all of those players, were little known names such as Sir Bobby Charlton and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ibrahimovic can join such company if he returns and hits the ground running.

United need a Premier League title and the 35-year-old has the nous and the ability to deliver it.

Which is why No7 is the only number that makes sense for him to wear. 

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?