Zlatan is back.It's clear Manchester United have suffered in the Swede's absence since he was handed a three-match ban for a retaliatory elbow on Bournemouth's Tyrone Mings.The Red Devils failed to score against both Chelsea in the FA Cup and in the 0-0 draw with West Brom on Saturday.Unfortunately, it's a worrying indictment of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and co. that they are still so clearly reliant on a 35-year-old.Jamie Carragher summed it up perfectly on Sky Sports, quoted via the Manchester Evening News."It is strange that they are having these major problems, without Zlatan, that personality, that presence, I think it’s a bit embarrassing for those players who are playing that they feel they need a 35-year-old centre-forward."It’s a big worry that you’re still relying on a man who’s been one of the best players in the league this season, but he’s 35."That is certainly something Jose Mourinho will want to look at going forward.
Is Zlatan the best around?
In the circumstances, it's no wonder the club are widely thought to be considering a bid for Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
For now, though, the United boss must be delighted that he'll have Ibrahimovic back for the end-of-season run-in.
It initially looked like he'd learned a little humility during his time away.
When asked by BT Sport who he considers the best strikers in the Premier League, he didn't pick himself - the answer many of his fans might have expected thanks to his various soundbites to that effect over the years.
Two players stand out
Instead, he suggested:
"I feel Lukaku is strong. Aguero is good, he’s all-round."
A surprisingly modest response? Well, not really, no.
When asked why he didn't pick himself, he added:
"Lions, they don’t compare themselves with humans."
It seems the old Zlatan is back after all.
The former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and PSG star is right to be wary of Lukaku, with United welcoming Everton to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
The Toffees' front man is also the Premier League's top scorer, with Ibra trailing him by six goals.
When it comes to one-liners, though, there's only one winner.
Who do you think is the best striker in England? Have your say in the comments.