Zlatan Ibrahimovic will galvanise Manchester United during second half of the season, insists Louis Saha

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Louis Saha has backed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to give Manchester United a crucial lift when he returns from injury during the festive period. 

Ibrahimovic, who is expected back in December, signed a new one-year deal in August following a fine debut season in England where he scored 28 goals in 46 games. 

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain man has been rewarded with a new contract despite originally being released after missing the final month of the campaign due to a cruciate knee injury. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to return to the Manchester United side in December

The 35-year-old Swede missed the final month of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury

And Saha believes the move could be a masterstroke by Jose Mourinho as he will boost the side with his experience, strength and sheer ability during a crucial point of the campaign.  

'Ibrahimovic is an immense player who will galvanise the squad during the second half of the season,' Saha told Omnisport.

'Competition for places within the squad is great. Leadership is vital to win trophies like the Premier League and Champions League.

'I cannot wait for him to resume playing again at Old Trafford.'

Saha has also tipped star forward Romelu Lukaku to score 25 goals for the Red Devils following his £75million move from Everton.

Former United striker Saha added: 'Lukaku is the player who can score 25 goals a season but he is also capable of scoring the very decisive ones.

'He is a very important element, as much as [David] De Gea and the quality of the bench to win a title.'

Louis Saha returned to Old Trafford on Saturday to take part in a legends match vs Barcelona

Saha has also hailed the £75million summer signing of Romelu Lukaku from Everton