Sport
IBRAHIMOVIC’S SMILES CAN’T HIDE MAN UNITED’S FRUSTRATION
As the seconds ticked by and the home fans’ frustration grew during Manchester United’s goalless Premier League draw against Burnley, Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn’t seem bothered about failing to inspire his side to three points. In fact, after miscuing an extremely simple chance in the final minutes, the Swede’s huge grin could have turned the annoyance of those in attendance to outright anger.
Whether Ibrahimovic smiled ironically or not is irrelevant. He struggled throughout the match—a recent theme after just one goal in his last 10 games across all competitions—and failed to show the kind of demanding leadership expected of such an iconic striker.
The 35-year-old most likely didn’t mean to, but he came across unbothered and unmoved by the fact United haven’t won any of their last four Premier League outings. Rightly or wrongly, a subtle movement of his mouth gave the impression he isn’t taking his stint in England as seriously as he should.
Speaking moments after the Red Devils’ 4-0 loss to Chelsea on Oct. 23, United legend Ryan Giggs suggested that Ibrahimovic’s jovial side isn’t going unnoticed. The Welshman told Premier League TV (h/t Jack Bezants of the MailOnline): “You don’t stand around on the pitch swapping shirts and laughing with the team that’s just beat you.”
Doing so has the potential to amplify the emotions of supporters immediately after a defeat, just when a tough result hurts the most. It gets people talking and focusing their despair on a target who probably doesn’t even realise how he’s portraying himself.
Cynics may have suggested Ibrahimovic was looking for a final payday when he accepted a free transfer to United. While he has worked hard so far—he continues to hold play up well and find space in the opposition’s box—his efforts are muddied by appearing too casual at difficult times for the club. Ibrahimovic is strong enough to battle through a goal drought without losing confidence, but he intensifies the spotlight when he laughs off a match-defining miss.
Zlatan has often portrayed a cocky, egotistical character throughout his career, but this has always been a conscious and calculated brand move. He is an underrated grafter and remains cool even when the sirens are blaring. However, appearing jovial when it isn’t completely appropriate underlines a sense of disconnect with the fans. It suggests he isn’t bothered by United’s post-Sir Alex Ferguson slump or emotionally invested in kickstarting another era of success. This is likely far from the truth, but such moments are enough to set doubts into motion.
Contradicting Ibra’s carefree attitude is the constantly solemn Jose Mourinho, who currently has the aura of a manager who hasn’t enjoyed football for a long time. His sending off against Burnley summed up a joyless attitude that has often translated to the performance of his team.
Mourinho and Ibrahimovic are two of the most important figures at the club—two leaders who have a haul of trophies to their name—but their attitudes are sending out mixed messages. United have missed a strong identity since Ferguson’s departure, and despite possessing a talented squad of individuals on paper, this subtle lack of alignment hints at larger problems within.
Supporters look to big personalities during difficult moments, but right now, Mourinho and Ibrahimovic are working as individuals. United are unlikely to find sustained momentum until a clear identity and single message is established. This will become more obvious the longer it goes on, and as time progresses, will no longer be a laughing matter.
