Jose Mourinho is delighted with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's start to his Manchester United career but warned neither he nor Paul Pogba is untouchable.
The Red Devils face Fenerbahce at Old Trafford in the Europa League on Thursday evening and the Portuguese was quick to hail the influence of the Swedish striker, who has netted six times since his free transfer this summer.
"I’m really happy. He’s giving us exactly what we need from him," said Mourinho .
“It’s quite beautiful for me to meet him five or six years later [after they worked together at Inter Milan] and to find the same ambition, passion and desire to play, desire to compete.
“I couldn’t be happier. The guy is really fit. He’s always ready to play. I couldn’t be happier in terms of his influence in the dressing room.
“Obviously he’s somebody that the young guys look at and what they see is great for them.”
United left-back Luke Shaw, who Mourinho confirmed will return to the starting line-up tomorrow evening, echoed his manager's praise for the Swede.
“When I came in there was a few big leaders that left," added the England international.
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“But if you look at the squad we have some experienced ones as well as younger players like myself. Ibra brings a lot to the dressing room. He tells so many jokes and everyone wants to listen.
“It’s good for squad morale. I think it’s starting to show on the pitch that we are more together now as a team.”
Despite his glowing praise for Ibrahimovic, Mourinho insists that none of his players are 'untouchable' - unlike the key core of stars who he previously hailed during his first stint at Chelsea.
“No. That was 11 years ago [when Mourinho said some Chelsea players were untouchable], different Premier League, different situation.
“[Chelsea were] the best team by far, that’s a different story.
“Nobody is untouchable now. Untouchable in our team I think has to be the spirit, the commitment, the pride, the commitment to the club, the respect to the fans. That has to be untouchable, but not players.”
A win against on Thursday evening will see the Red Devils leapfrog their Turkish opponents in Group A of the Europa League.
It will also hand United a boost ahead of Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge, where Mourinho will go up against his former side, as they go searching for only their second Premier League win since August.