Thursday 28 July 2016

#ZLATANTIME- ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC TRAINS WITH UNITED TEAMATES FOR THE FIRST TIME (PHOTOS)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic took to the training pitch as a Manchester United player for the first time at the club's Carrington base on Thursday.
The 34-year-old had a grin on his face as he strode out in his United apparel, notably a jumper emblazoned with his new No 9, while being flanked by Ashley Young and Marcus Rashford. 
The Sweden icon visited Carrington on Wednesday, after being given an additional break following his free transfer from French champions Paris Saint-Germain this summer, but had not yet trained with his new team-mates.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic trains under the watchful gaze of Jose Mourinho (left) for the first time as a Manchester United player
Zlatan Ibrahimovic trains under the watchful gaze of Jose Mourinho (left) for the first time as a Manchester United player
Ibrahimovic puts his arm around another new signing Eric Bailly (left) as he gets to know his new team-mates
Ibrahimovic puts his arm around another new signing Eric Bailly (left) as he gets to know his new team-mates
The Swedish striker, pictured stretching with Phil Jones (left), was also introduced to the notoriously rainy Manchester weather
The Swedish striker, pictured stretching with Phil Jones (left), was also introduced to the notoriously rainy Manchester weather
Ibrahimovic trained for the first time since completing his move from PSG
The Swede stretches while training bibs are handed out
 The 34-year-old trained for the first time since completing his free transfer from PSG
Mourinho watches as Michael Carrick (left) leads players, including Ibrahimovic and Jesse Lingard (centre), through a training drill 
Mourinho watches as Michael Carrick (left) leads players, including Ibrahimovic and Jesse Lingard (centre), through a training drill 
Ibrahimovic began a personalised training programme on Sunday
The striker has enjoyed a five week break after Euro 2016
Ibrahimovic started an individual training programme on Sunday ahead of the season
The former PSG striker's movement looked sharp as he was put through his paces
The former PSG striker's movement looked sharp as he was put through his paces
The striker, pictured behind Marcus Rashford, could make his  debut in a friendly against Galatasaray in Sweden on Saturday
The striker, pictured behind Marcus Rashford, could make his debut in a friendly against Galatasaray in Sweden on Saturday

MAN UNITED'S PRE-SEASON GAMES 

July 16 Wigan Athletic (DW Stadium) - won 2-0
July 22 Borussia Dortmund (International Champions Cup - Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai) - lost 1-4
July 25 Manchester City (International Champions Cup - Bird's Nest Stadium, Beijing) - cancelled
July 30 Galatasaray (Ullevi, Gothenburg) 6.30pm
August 3 Everton (Wayne Rooney testimonial - Old Trafford) 8pm
August 7 Leicester City (Community Shield - Wembley)
As he was put through his paces in Manchester's notoriously rainy weather for the first time, the former Barcelona striker went through some exercises while chatting with veteran midfielder Michael Carrick.
Ibrahimovic also took part in some light dribbling and one-touch passing drills under the watchful gaze of manager Jose Mourinho.
Despite his extended break, Ibrahimovic's movement looked sharp - although he did need to frequently adjust his ponytail during the warm-ups.
The Swede was crowded by fans as he left the Radisson Hotel in Manchester in the morning. Several players arrived at the club's training ground in their luxury cars, which included Memphis Depay driving a customised £250,000 Rolls Royce Phantom - while Schneiderlin was given a lift by his fiancee Camille Sold in a less imposing Mini. 
Mourinho had a complete squad at his disposal for the first time with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Anthony Martial, Morgan Schneiderlin and Marouane Fellaini all returning after their Euro 2016 exertions.
The Portuguese granted his players an extra day's rest following the challenges of  United's farcical pre-season tour of China, which produced a damning defeat by Borussia Dortmund and culminated in their derby with Manchester City being cancelled on Monday. 
Ibrahimovic leaves the Radisson Hotel in Manchester on his way to Carrington on Thursday
Ibrahimovic leaves the Radisson Hotel in Manchester on his way to Carrington on Thursday
Ibrahimovic arrived on a free transfer from PSG
He trained with team-mates for the first time on Thursday
The Swedish striker was mobbed by autograph hunters on his way to training for the first time
Wayne Rooney (centre), pictured with (L-R) Anthony Martial, Jones, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young, admitted he was  excited at the prospect of meeting 'one of the world's best strikers'
Wayne Rooney (centre), pictured with (L-R) Anthony Martial, Jones, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young, admitted he was  excited at the prospect of meeting 'one of the world's best strikers'
Ibrahimovic missed the tour after being given a five-week break since making his final international appearance as Sweden crashed out of the group stages at the European Championship.  
The 34-year-old began a personal training programme on Sunday before taking part in training on Thursday. He could make his debut in a pre-season friendly against Galatasaray in his homeland Sweden on Saturday.
The match between the two sides in Gothenburg was only organised once a deal between Ibrahimovic and United had been agreed. 
The United captain has been impressed by training under new manager  Mouirinho (left)
The United captain has been impressed by training under new manager Mouirinho (left)
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (left) goes through a drill as Carrick (right) and Jones wait their turn
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (left) goes through a drill as Carrick (right) and Jones wait their turn
Luke Shaw (right) stretches with Rooney after recovering from an horrific leg break last season
Luke Shaw (right) stretches with Rooney after recovering from an horrific leg break last season
Several players, including Marouane Fellaini, were returning after extended breaks
Several players, including Marouane Fellaini, were returning after extended breaks

ZLATAN LEAGUE STATS 2015/16 

Appearances: 31
Goals: 38
Shot acuracy: 60%
Chances created: 45
Pass accuracy: 79 per cent
Duels won: 58 per cent
Yellow/red cards: 1/0
United captain Wayne Rooney was especially excited at meeting a player he previously described as 'one of the best strikers in world football'.
'I am looking forward to it,' said Rooney during a live Facebook broadcast on Monday. 
'I think he has been one of the best strikers in world football over the last 10 years and he has always won trophies everywhere he has been.
'He is a huge character so I am looking forward to getting back, training with him and hopefully forming a good partnership and being successful together,' added. 
Rooney, pictured arriving, has described Ibrahimovic as a 'huge personality'
Rooney, pictured arriving, has described Ibrahimovic as a 'huge personality'
Holland international Memphis Depay arrived at training driving a £250,000 Roll Royce
Holland international Memphis Depay arrived at training driving a £250,000 Roll Royce
Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin was given a lift to work in his fiancee's Mini
The England captain revealed he has also been impressed by Mourinho's training methods. 'The training has been tough and you can see why he has won trophies at the clubs he has been at. I have enjoyed it, it has been difficult in the heat out here in China, but it has been really good and I am just looking forward to getting involved in the games,' he said.
Ibrahimovic is one of three new arrivals at Old Trafford this summer, alongside midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and defender Eric Bailly - with a proposed world record £110millon move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba still being negotiated.
The Italians are ready to let the France international leave for £92million plus £8m in add-ons (even further add-ons may come into play if he wins the Ballon d'Or), if United agree to pay his agent Mino Raiola's 20 per cent bonus. 
Veteran midfielder Carrick arrives at training after signing a one-year contract extension
Veteran midfielder Carrick arrives at training after signing a one-year contract extension
Marcos Rojo turns up at training in his Mercedes, amid uncertainty surrounding his future
Paul Pogba hinted he is returning to Manchester after posting am Instagram picture in United's colours
Paul Pogba hinted he is returning to Manchester after posting am Instagram picture in United's colours
United have been reluctant to help Juventus on their arrangement with Raiola, particularly after offering such a fee, however, the Italian champions say if that can be resolved, the 23-year-old can return to Manchester.
Talks took place at the Milan Palazzo Parigi Hotel on Tuesday and further talks are ongoing between Raiola and United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, as they look to iron out how to pay the outstanding £20m.  
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