Zlatan Ibrahimovic likely to leave Manchester United if club fails to win Europa League
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is expected to leave Manchester United if they do not qualify for the Champions League, according to reports.
That means Jose Mourinho will likely have to win the Europa League to have any realistic chance of keeping his 28-goal striker.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to leave Manchester United if they do not win the Europa League this seasonPA:Press Association Archive
Pals of Ibrahimovic, 35, reckon playing in the continent’s top competition is the key factor as to whether he extends his current deal beyond the summer, report The Mirror.
The seasoned Swede – who has offers to play in the MLS and Chinese Super League – also wants to see evidence United are building an elite squad to challenge for the title next term.
A Europa League triumph grants entry to the following season’s Champions League.
For United, who are four points behind Manchester City with a game in hand, this looks to be their best chance to clinch it.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is fit to play in tonight’s Europa League clash against AnderlechtGetty ImagesManchester United boss Jose Mourinho has added pressure to win the Europa LeagueGetty ImagesZlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 28 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this seasonGetty Images
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The realms of fourth-place are unheard of for Ibra, who has won 13 league titles in the past 15 years.
He is also the only player to win as many titles in four different leagues - Holland, Italy, Spain and France.
But astonishingly, despite playing for the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Inter, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, he has NEVER won the Champions League.
Despite playing for the likes of Barcelona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has never won the Champions LeagueGetty ImagesZlatan Ibrahimovic failed to be crowned one of the kings of Europe at Paris Saint-GermainEPA
Ibra is fit to play in Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first-leg against Anderlecht.
Boss Mourinho reckons his talismanic forward will be especially pumped for the match.
He said: "I believe maybe he has a little extra motivation because the final is in Sweden, because he never played in a European final in such an amazing career he had.
“Hopefully his motivation is even higher than all of us. He has a good feeling in this stadium.”
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