Manchester United Boss Jose Mourinho Reveals Why He Allows Zlatan Ibrahimovic Time Off From Training

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will allow summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to have a four-day rest from training this week as he aims to maintain the Swedish striker’s form, 90min reports.

Ibrahimovic has started his Premier League career in fine form since making a summer switch from PSG, scoring three goals in as many games, helping United to a 100 per cent record so far this season.

The 34-year-old announced his retirement from international football following Euro 2016, a decision that Mourinho believes will help prolong his illustrious career.

“If you’re 34 years of age, you need to rest,” Mourinho said as quoted by The Telegraph.

“You can’t play 70 matches. The other guys who aren’t selected for their national teams, I give them two days off.”

“For Zlatan, I give holidays a la carte. It depends on the situation. He’s playing every match, every minute. Four matches, he has played 360 minutes. Four days off for the big guy.”

There were initially question marks as to whether Zlatan could combine with Man Utd captain Wayne Rooney, but after three wins out of three, those qualms have certainly been put to bed.

“Since he’s come in he’s been great with the players,” Rooney said.

“He’s a team player. In the dressing room he’s delighted we’ve got the three points, he hasn’t mentioned once about becoming the first player to score in his first four Premier League games.”

“We’re working on our partnership every day in training. The games are where it’s important and you hope the training you do pays off. I’m sure in the upcoming games things will get better and hopefully that will benefit the team.”