Juan Mata is warning the whole of Europe: Get ready for the Ibra-Lu goal roadshow.
Super Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his return from a serious knee injury in Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford on Saturday.
And Mata reckons Ibra and Romelu Lukaku will flatten everyone in their path.
He said: “Can you imagine Zlatan and Lukaku in the team, both scoring goals? It would be a strike force of the highest level and a constant danger against anyone. There would be guaranteed goals for United in attack. I think other teams will be worried!”
Ibra finished as United’s top scorer last season, with 28 goals, despite tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against Anderlecht in April.
But now the former PSG, Milan and Barcelona star is living up to his promise to come back ‘better than ever’ following a super-fast recovery.
And that is bad news for every team in the Premier League and Champions League.
“Having Ibra back is a very big moment,” said Mata. “If he comes back with his usual style then United have a sensational reinforcement for the second half of the season. I’m sure he will.”
Ibra’s return could be just what United need to step up a gear as they bid to win the Premier League for the first time since 2015 – and Mata insists they are on course.
“The Premier League is terrific, so competitive,” he said. “You always need to be alert. A little error leaves any club suddenly falling behind because each match is a final. For me right now, Manchester is able to win the title but we have to keep going.
“This is a race which lasts many months. Right now we are in the best place to challenge, especially with Zlatan back to help.”