Age against Ibrahimovic in EPL, says Arsenal coach Wenger

Arsenal's veteran head coach Arsene Wenger said newly-signed Manchester United star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not certain to be a success in the English Premier League this football season because of the advancing age of the former Sweden captain.

Ibrahimovic joined Manchester United this summer after a glittering career which has taken in Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

Wenger acknowledged on Saturday the Swede's talent, but says his age, 34, may count against in him the fast and physical EPL.

"Honestly I don't know how he will get on. Going for him is his class, his talent, his desire to do well. What goes against him is that he is not the youngest player anymore, so you are questioned about that in every game," the Frenchman was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

Ibrahimovic scored just four minutes into his United debut in a pre-season friendly against Galatasaray in his native season with a typically acrobatic bicycle kick.

"From what I saw of him last year at Paris Saint-Germain, it was his most complete season as an individual player and as a team player. He became a really great team player last season," Wenger sid of the striker's final season in the French capital outfit.

"On the mental aspect he will bring something to Man United as well. He is a winner, he has charisma and he will give them a strength as well as his individual quality."

--IANS

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