West Indies chased down a paltry target of 123 with 46 balls to spare, and avoided a whitewash

Ekanth30-Sep-2025Nepal came into Sharjah eyeing a historic whitewash but ran into a revived West Indies side that put on the perfect game. However, that shouldn’t take away too much from their impressive feat of completing their first series win against a Full Member nation.Ramon Simmonds, one of the two changes they made, took a match-winning three-for after West Indies made the right call of bowling first on a pitch that was slow and offered regular sideways movement. Openers Amir Jangoo and Ackeem Auguste capitalised under easing conditions to take West Indies to their first ever ten-wicket win.Nepal’s start was sedate but secure with Kushal Malla and Bhurtel often in control of their shots. Bhurtel even whacked Mayers on the roof in the third over. The first sign of danger was Hosein getting turn and bounce in the third over to beat Bhurtel’s sweep, and the shot did connect the next ball for a six over square leg. Nonetheless, free-flowing strokeplay wasn’t to be seen.The effect of Nepal facing 20 dots in their 37-run powerplay was slightly mitigated by three fours and two sixes.Holder found success right after the powerplay using his high release and bounce. Malla was nearly caught behind trying to drive on the up through cover, Fabian Allen ran back from cover and dropped a tough chance off Bhurtel, and Malla’s edge was found the last ball.The spinners capitalised on the slowness and the sideways movement on offer. Hosein spun the ball away from around the wicket to beat the bat twice in the eighth over.Bhurtel and Paudel tried to break free after two quiet overs. After a first-ball six, both batters could’ve been out. Paudel survived an lbw as Hosein overstepped, but Bhurtel was caught at slip playing the reverse sweep. He wasn’t happy as the ball may have gone off just his forearm.Simmonds had a late introduction with Nepal needing to play within themselves. His lengths were often short or full and he bagged the wickets of Paudel – gloved pull to the keeper – and Aarif Sheikh – upper cut to deep third – in his first two overs. In between, Gulsan Jha was run out after taking a head start too far before running back. Nepal made 62 for 5 in the middle overs despite West Indies dropping two chances.Simmons and Blades took two wickets each in the death overs. A couple of boundaries from Lokesh Bam and Sundeep Jora took Nepal to 122.West Indies’ chase got off to a flier. In the first over, Auguste ensured that West Indies, too, hit a six on the roof. Karan KC was punished upon offering pace and missing his line. The openers peppered the leg-side boundary. With a four in each of the next four overs, West Indies bossed the 47-run powerplay.Paudel dropped a simple chance off Auguste, on 29, at cover. There were no further chances of a Nepal comeback, certainly not after Mohammad Aadil Alam was taken down for 18 in the ninth over. Jangoo losing his bottom hand but still driving over long-off showed just how well he timed the ball.Jangoo then went into top gear, smacking five sixes in his last nine balls. The back-to-back sixes off Paudel, that started the carnage, brought up his 38-ball fifty. Auguste played second fiddle as West Indies reached home with 46 balls to spare.

London is very much the focal point of England. The nation’s capital houses the biggest businesses, is home to the largest population and provides jobs not only for its residents, but for others further afield.

And in football it’s also the superpower of the nation, with, if we were to hypothetically put together a single side made up of players representing clubs within it’s boundaries, London likely to triumph over rivals every time.

Although this mythical XI would be made up of Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and maybe even a few West Ham players, these individual sides may not be the strongest right now. Although it may raise some eyebrows, there’s an argument that Crystal Palace are the team to watch from London as things stand, with the group hailing from the south end of the city a very interesting proposition.

Okay, they’re unlikely to stay atop the London pile for the remainder of the campaign, but finishing position is not the only factor to judge a team on – albeit it is important. Right now the Eagles are a team on the up – excuse the pun – with Alan Pardew’s arrival having sparked a new era of fine football and results.

Since his arrival over the winter, ‘Pards’ has been a breath of fresh air at Selhurst Park, with 11 of his 19 league games in charge having been wins – the joint highest win tally of any Palace manager in the Premier League. Although he may be a somewhat unlikeable character, just ask Newcastle fans, there’s no denying the positive impact he has made, maintaining the Tony Pulis results while bringing in an easier on the eye style.

Further to this, his influence in the transfer market must be noted. Just a few years ago it would have been impossible to imagine a Palace side with Yohan Cabaye in the middle, but thanks, in part, to Pardew’s relationship with the playmaker, he’s now the creative hub of the team, and the statement made with his capture could signify a real change at the club. Add into the mix Bakary Sako and Wilfried Zaha, and things are genuinely exciting at Palace.

The Selhurst Park crowd should not go without mention, too. The Holmesdale Stand is one of the few blocks of genuine passion left in the Premier League, with the atmosphere electric on matchdays. Eagles fans have had lows to endure, but the highs are really being appreciated, and the noise created puts their opposite numbers at the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge to shame.

Yes, Palace will not finish at the top of a London mini-league come May, but as far as the whole experience goes, they do have a genuine claim to the title of the best team to be aligned with in the city right now.

Things are changing south of the River Thames, and who knows how far it could all go.

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Chelsea returned to winning ways in the fiery win over Arsenal, but the result has come at a price. Diego Costa is banned for three games following a violent conduct charge for his antics in the 2-0 win.

With the Brazilian born Spaniard now out, the Blues must rely on either Radamel Falcao or Loic Remy. Though the joined efforts of Eden Hazard and Pedro are likely to muster a few goals over the season, relying on Costa may be unwise.

Not only is he constantly in the news for his, let’s say, ‘lively’ approach to the game, he also struggles with injuries. Though when fit he is a striker fit to spearhead a Jose Mourinho side, the options after the 26-year old make for nervous reading.

Falcao’s struggles are well documented, and Remy has never truly been trusted by the Portuguese.

Here are six strikers Chelsea can turn to in the January window…

MAURO ICARDI

Inter Milan are currently on a 100% record in Serie A, with their signings over the summer looking to have settled in well. However, Mourinho can take heart in the face that his former club have previously shifted on big players.

Mateo Kovacic and Xherdan Shaqiri have been allowed to leave the San Siro, so a move for Inter’s star player is not out of the realms of possibility.

The Argentine plundered 31 goals last year, and is one of the hottest properties in Europe. He could be a viable alternative to Costa, able to provide similar industry.

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN

Though not an out and out centre-forward, the French star has proven himself to a potent attacker with Atletico Madrid. The former Real Sociedad man is perfect for the counter attacking style so associated with Jose Mourinho.

Able to operate across the front-line, a potential partnership with Eden Hazard is mouth-watering.

The 24-year-old continues to grow under the tutelage of Diego Simeone, and the Madrid outfit have previous when it comes to selling their star players to Chelsea.

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

The Bayern Munich man famously netted 5 goals in 9 minutes against Wolfsburg recently, a testament to how lethal the Polish international is.

Linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena, reports suggest he is not a ‘Guardiola style’ of player.

Jose Mourinho has previous with the ex-Dortmund star, having witnessed him score 4 goals in the Champions League semi-final clash between the Bundesliga giants and Real Madrid.

The ice-cool finishing, close control and clever movement so synonymous with the 27-year old would be a welcome addition to the Premier League.

ALVARO MORATA

The Juventus star has quite the CV despite his age, with the 22-year old having already played for the Old Lady and Real Madrid in his short career.

He battles with Costa for a place in the Spanish national side, and his arrival at Stamford Bridge could spark some healthy competition.

He’s a traditional centre-forward, likely to run the channels as well as poach inside the box. His goal against Manchester City proves he is capable of the spectacular.

ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE

Struggling to replicate his stellar form shown last year, the Lyon man has that in common with the Blues.

However, he proved what a good player he is with 31 strikes last term, and is still learning at the highest level. As a backup to Costa, he would be a longer term solution to Falcao, with huge room for improvement.

Another who’s versatility could surely endear himself to Mourinho, the Frenchman could work wonders around the quality in Chelsea’s midfield.

GRAZIANO PELLE

A left field suggestion, but the Southampton star is proving he is no one season wonder. He’s far more refined than Costa, and has been lethal since arriving in England.

While he may not be as exciting as some of the younger names in this list, Mourinho could rely on a lot worse as a back-up. The Italian star instantly settled on the South Coast, and shows no sign of stopping.

Another two goals against Manchester United prove the 30-year-old is at times unplayable in the penalty area.

Make no mistake about it, the 1-1 draw in Sunday’s north London derby was an opportunity missed for Arsenal.

Pole position may belong to Manchester City but the Gunners are the Premier League’s team to beat at the moment, picking up five wins and 16 points from their last six games, and momentum was on their side ahead of the bragging rights clash with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs represent the last top six opposition Arsenal will face until a potentially season-defining clash with City in late December. So with Manuel Pellegrini’s side dropping points to Aston Villa earlier in the day, a win would have seen Arsene Wener’s boys claim top spot at just the right time – ahead of a four-game run in which they’ll expect to take maximum points against relegation battlers West Brom, Norwich City, Sunderland and Aston Villa.

A win on Sunday could have put Arsenal in the driving seat for December’s six-pointer at the Emirates, City needing the win more and resultantly forced into taking risks away from home. It could have been one of those games where everything spirals out of control and one side accumulates a rugby score. In prior seasons, Arsenal have usually been the victim during such affairs, but a two-point lead could have instigated a reversal in roles.

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Come the end of May, some might point back to last weekend as the difference between Arsenal breaking their decade-long title duck and finishing the season as also-rans once again. The psychological advantage would have shifted in their favour ahead of a tricky winter period for City, which sees them face Liverpool, Juventus, Southampton, Stoke City and Swansea City before their meet with the Gunners on December 21st – a significantly tougher run than Arsenal’s.

It’s a sign of Arsenal still lacking that killer instinct and nous required in any title bid, the kind Sir Alex Ferguson was famed for at Manchester United; sensing when his rivals were at their weakest and capitalising accordingly.

In no other top flight does momentum swing as quickly and violently as the Premier League and although we’re only twelve games into the new season, moving to the top of the table would have put pressure on City and particularly their manager – whose future at Eastlands seems ever-shrouded in doubt.

That being said, I found myself once again impressed with Arsenal on Sunday. The overall performance was less convincing than the result but under the given circumstances, the Gunners certainly made decent lemonade from dodgy lemons.

It seems illogical to blame Arsenal not beating their local on an injury crisis; the club’s record in that department is so dreadful that if you tried to count all the key games in which key Gunners personnel have been absent since their last title in 2004, you’d end up requiring the assistance of the fingers and toes of the entire first team squad and probably some of the reserves as well.

But right midfield is a crucial position in this current Arsenal side. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey both offer fantastic defensive protection whilst moving inside just enough to give the right-back room on the overlap – an increasingly prevalent feature in the Gunners’ attacking play.

For all his efforts, Joel Campbell failed to recreate those characteristics and ended up a rather isolated figure on the right wing, consequentially providing little assistance as Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla (who was apparently very unwell) struggled against Spurs’ enthusiastic and organised midfield three.

Resultantly, Arsenal were poor in the first half and more than deserving to go a goal down via Harry Kane. But their comeback after the interval showed confidence and conviction, inspired from incredibly unlikely sources in Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Kieran Gibbs, who managed to overturn Spurs’ momentum in the middle of the park.

All entered the fray due to a lack of viable alternatives – with Theo Walcott, Ramsey, Chamberlain, Tomas Rosicky, Hector Bellerin, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck all sidelined through injury – but proved they have the quality to make a difference in Arsenal’s season.

So with a late equaliser provided by a full-back playing on the left wing, in the absence of three players who were at the forefront of Wenger’s selections this time last month and another who was withdrawn at half-time due to illness, after an opening hour in which Arsenal looked almost dead and buried, a point in a local derby certainly isn’t to be sniffed at.

Whilst some lament Arsenal for not taking the chance to go top and will look back upon last weekend as a telling moment should their title bid fall short, that point also has the potential to become an invaluable one by the end of May.

Arsenal are unlikely to enter a tougher fixture under tougher circumstances and find themselves in a tougher position at half-time this season; taking something from the game and keeping the momentum alive may be a lesser prize than leapfrogging Manchester City, but it could be a crucial one nonetheless.

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Twitter has exploded after Chelsea star Willian launched an absolutely stunning strike to double the Blues’ lead against Crystal Palace on a raining afternoon in South London.

The Chelsea Number 22 then turned creator, setting up teammate Diego Costa.

While he’s not usually known for his goal scoring abilities, the Brazilian has emerged as the club’s top marksman this season in the wake of their failing frontline.

Having already notched seven goals across all competitions, many of them free-kicks, the Selecao star unleashed a rocket from outside the penalty area after picking up a loose ball.

Palace shot stopper Wayne Hennessey has been in imperious form this year, but the Welsh custodian could do very little to stop the ball blazing past him and into the top corner.

However, he spilled Willian’s shot minutes later right into the path of the baying Spaniard Costa.

It looks to have killed the game off at Selhurst Park as the fallen Premier League champions look to extend their unbeaten run since Jose Mourinho left the club.

Although the young Belgium international is yet to truly establish himself down at Anfield this season, Liverpool’s Divock Origi certainly looks like he could one day blossom into a truly meaningful talent for the Reds.

The current attacking options available to Jurgen Klopp have been limited throughout the 2015/16 campaign. Roberto Firmino is seemingly yet to find his feet in the ever testing English top-flight, each of Danny Ings, Philippe Coutinho and Christian Benteke have suffered with their own respective injury concerns this season and the once formidable Daniel Sturridge sadly spends more time in the treatment room than out on the pitch. Reds fans could be forgiven for partially losing hope over their recent situation.

However, as Origi has nonetheless begun his Anfield career in more than promising form, perhaps all Kopites really need at this particular stage is just a little bit of good old-fashioned faith. At 20-years-of-age, this young striker could very well help Jurgen Klopp out when it comes to scoring important goals across 2015/16 – which would only signal positive steps for the club as they look to re-establish their dominance in the English game

So then, have the Anfield faithful genuinely discovered a newfound hero in the shape of Divock Origi, or does the emerging talent ultimately represent little more than an average Premier League striker at best?

Well, as Origi only has one solitary league goal to his name so far this term, now is no time to be getting carried away with the striker’s potential talent. Liverpool fans have experienced many false dawns when it comes to ambitious transfer signings in the past – and as the 20-year-old Belgian was indeed signed under the supervision of Brendan Rodgers at Anfield – the context behind his recent move may not prove all that exciting in the cold light of day.

Yet as the up and coming striker successfully saved Liverpool’s blushes last time out against West Brom – after subsequently playing a huge role in his side’s 6-1 destruction of Southampton in the League Cup this month – Reds supporters do admittedly have reason to be excited over the future exploits of Origi, even if they must remain relatively muted at this current moment in time.

After arguably outshining Everton’s Romelu Lukaku throughout the duration of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Liverpool seemingly pulled off a great deal when they completed the initial move for Origi two summers ago. But after failing to impress whilst back on loan at Lille last season, a few testing question-marks were nonetheless pointed in the direction of the young Anfield man.

In the end, it remains yet to be seen whether or not the former Ligue 1 favourite has what it takes to make it in the Premier League. £10m was a rather significant amount to splash out on a largely untested talent of course, and if Origi consequently fails to adjust to the often gruelling nature of the English top-flight the Anfield faithful may be forced to accept yet another expensive calamity from their side in the transfer market.

As Jurgen Klopp is seemingly the perfect manager to help restore some much needed belief within the younger players down at Liverpool this season, however, it seems as if all the right components are in-fact in place to make Origi’s spell within the Premier League a rather successful one. We have already seen what the young Belgian striker is capable of when playing at full confidence this term, and although his outings have admittedly been relatively brief so far, the future looks positive for Origi.

It’s going to take a sustained period of time for the young star to really make a name for himself in England, however, and Reds fans would ultimately be naïve in expecting any immediate results from the Belgian centre-forward this season. But with a fair helping of well-measured patience from the collective Anfield faithful in general – maybe the good times are just waiting around the corner for Divock Origi at this specific stage.

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Our landlord in The Transfer Tavern has seen the tills ringing well at the bar all day due to a family fun day event.

Fans of football teams from all over have made there way to The Tavern for a few pints and some good old fashioned family fun.

Everyone is enjoying themselves apart from the Liverpool fans gathered around the pool table discussing what has to be one of the poorest Liverpool sides for many a year.

Still finding it hard to digest how their side threw away a two goal advantage at home to Sunderland to give the strugglers a 2-2 draw is damning to many of them.

Discussions have turned to who is to blame and who is not worthy of wearing the famous red shirt, with a majority agreeing that just a couple are committed enough to the Liverpool cause.

Our landlord overhearing this has said that Liverpool have had their fair share of bad signings of the Premier League years and has challenged the Liverpool fans to name their five worst.

Click here to WIN a football shirt of your choice! Hit the image below to see FIVE of Liverpool’s worst players!

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Andy Carroll

The big Geordie striker arrived at Anfield from Newcastle United for a staggering £35 million, a then record transfer for a British player.

He arrived at Anfield after impressing in front of goal for home town club Newcastle scoring 31 times in 80 appearances during his time at the club although the vast majority were score in the club’s season in the Championship, this did not put of the hierarchy at Anfield making their move.

Carroll turned out to be nothing but a disappointment and managed just six goals between 2011-13 and 44 appearances before Liverpool cut their losses and sold the player to West Ham United for £15 million.

Sean Dundee

The South African striker joined the club from Karlsruher for £2 million a signing that was made by then joint managers Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier.

Dundee never got established at Anfield failing to break up the partnership formed by Karl-Heinz Riedle and Michael Owen and saw appearances during his ill fated year at Anfield limited to just three appearances before moving back to Germany with Stuttgart for £1 million the following summer.

Salif Diao

Diao was signed by Gerard Houllier following impressive performances for Senegal in the World Cup in Japan in the summer of 2002.

He arrived from Sedan for £5 million and showed none of the form from the World Cup during his five years at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard even singled the player out for criticism in his autobiography stating the player lacked the class to wear the famous red shirt.

He left Anfield on a free transfer for Stoke City after just 37 appearances in half a decade at Anfield.

Istvan Kozma

Graham Souness had the knack for signing poor players and the Hungarian was definitely one of his poorest.

Signed for £300,000 to be part of Liverpool’s side for the inaugural Premier League season from Scottish club Dunfermiline Athletic where he was firm fan favourite.

But Kozma was poor and playing for a club like Liverpool was always going to be hard for the Hungarian.

He made just six appearances for Liverpool with just one coming in the Premier League.

Robbie Keane

The Irishman arrived at Anfield from Tottenham Hotspur for £20 million in a move the player called his dream.

His short spell at the club must have felt just like that he was no longer the prolific striker he had been with his previous club’s and was to move on after just five months at Anfield.

Questions were raised when Keane was signed with the preferred option of one striker up front no one could see where Keane was going to fit in.

Keane returned to Tottenham the following January for £12 million and his Anfield nightmare was over.

Manchester City faced a pretty humiliating defeat at Stamford Bridge, as they took their foot off the gas against a rejuvenated Chelsea team.

The Blues were flying throughout the second half and walked away with a comfortable victory and a massive confidence boost after drubbing a severely weakened Pellegrini XI that would not have looked out of place in the bottom half of the PL… alongside Chelsea.

Guus Hiddink’s splendid record as Chelsea boss has continued and the goal for Eden Hazard can only be a positive for the remainder of their campaign and the FA Cup is clearly their only chance of silverware after their poor first leg result in the Champions League.

City’s youngsters worked hard and showed their talent, but they were no match for a Chelsea side at full strength and Pep Guardiola will have been watching on with concern ahead of his arrival this summer.

John Obi Mikel consolidated his position in the team with another impressive performance, whilst the Blues gave more minutes to Baba Rahman at left-back, too.

Here are FIVE things we learned from an ordinary evening’s entertainment.

Pep needs a number 2

Willy Caballero, despite being a favourite of Manuel Pellegrini, gave another poor performance against Chelsea and was certainly at fault for the third goal. Caballero embarrassed himself for Chelsea’s fifth, too.

Cahill’s effort went straight through the keeper and as good as sealed the victory for Chelsea.

Guardiola will ask a lot of his keepers and he will certainly want a player who can compete with Hart.

Ped through the gears

After having a quiet season until the last week or two, Pedro has begun to show flashes of the brilliance we saw at Barcelona.

The Spaniard’s darting runs caused constant problems for the City defence and he looks to be on his way to his best.

Young hopes at City

With all the youth in their XI, it was always going to be a huge test for City, but the majority of their youngsters performed very well and they showed great spirit to equalise so quickly after going behind in the first half.

Iheanacho is the shining light of the cohort and he was a constant threat.

Cesc-y stuff

City gave Fabregas the freedom of the midfield and the Spaniard was back to his tempo dictating best as he dissected the City defence on numerous occasions.

A delicate pass set up Chelsea’s first clear chance of the game, where Pedro hit the post, and Fabregas dominated throughout the match as he was rightly given the Man of the Match award.

FA must change..

Pellegrini’s pre-game rant about the scheduling of this fixture should serve as a wake-up call to the Football Association.

Other countries are happy to change schedules to help their clubs in European football, but the FA continue to be held hostage by the TV companies. If there is no change in approach, their competitions will suffer.

Although Mark Noble’s recent testimonial match at the soon-to-be deserted Boleyn Ground would have certainly provided a nice dose of light relief for all West Ham fans far and wide, the determined Upton Park faithful still have a lot to contend with throughout the remainder of the season of course, with the possibility of ending the current 2015/16 campaign on a triumphant high almost within touching distance.

The Hammers remain well placed among the upper echelons of the Premier League table itself, while an enticing FA Cup quarter-final replay on the cards with Manchester United in the not too distant future. The upcoming summer transfer window looks set to be a rather significant one with the East End outfit ready and raring to move into London’s Olympic Stadium ahead of the new term.

So then, as Liverpool’s recently acquired Christian Benteke has been mooted as a prime transfer target for the Irons this summer, would the £32.5m man really serve to improve Slaven Bilic’s current squad right in the here and now, or should West Ham look beyond the out-of-sorts Belgian front-man?

Well, as Liverpool seemingly wouldn’t be too keen on letting their 25-year-old striker leave the realms of Anfield for anything close to a cut-price deal this summer – with the man himself also supposedly on £120,000 a-week at this particular stage in his career – perhaps West Ham would ideally want to avoid such a move based purely on financial reasoning alone.

The likes of Michy Batshuayi and Alexandre Lacazette have been highlighted as potential summer targets for the Hammers to consider alongside Christian Benteke in recent weeks after all, and whilst both Ligue 1 stars would likely carry rather hefty transfer fees above their heads, each of the aforementioned strikers would probably represent better value for money than the current Liverpool man.

Although Christian Benteke has admittedly scored goals in the English top-flight before for a struggling Aston Villa side, the 2015/16 campaign has ultimately proven one of great frustration for the former Villa Park favourite, with his long-term future on Merseyside looking anything but guaranteed if we’re all being completely honest with his current situation.

For one reason or another, the 25-year-old Belgium international has often presented himself as surprisingly slow and distinctly off the pace for large portions of the Premier League campaign, with his once deadly efficiency in front of goal having all but disappeared since he officially joined up with the Reds. West Ham should therefore point their all-important resources elsewhere this summer when all is said and done. Benteke certainly could make somewhat of a success of himself within the Hammers’ new journey at the Olympic Stadium, but Bilic’s side will still likely have to break the bank in order to secure his signature, this is one player who seemingly isn’t worth the risk.

With several other top-class alternatives supposedly on the table for West Ham’s consideration over the coming summer months, the 25-year-old Liverpool forward arguably wouldn’t offer enough based on his most recent form.

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The indomitable figure Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the man who often refers to himself in the third person, considers himself the best player in the world and often has Donald Trump-like narcissism, could well be on his way to Old Trafford.

After two years of misguided mediocrity at Manchester United, the shake-up looks to have started at the Theatre of Dreams, and has escalated into a circus.

The impending arrival of Jose Mourinho has generated incomparable media coverage and excitement. However, it seems that only one man could outshine the ‘Special One’ if he were to appear in a chauffeur driven, blacked-out car at Carrington this summer and that is Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Here are FIVE reasons why Zlatan to Manchester United would be an ideal move for both parties…

1 – No Champions League, No Problems

Despite the fact that Ibrahimovic is heading into the twilight of his incredible career, he is still one of the biggest names in world football.

Should he decide to move to Old Trafford it would demonstrate a signal of intent from United that they are still attracting the very best players despite no Champions League football next season.

2 – Goals, Goals, Goals

While Anthony Martial contributed 17 goals for Man United last season, there still seems to be a lack of goal scoring talent at Old Trafford. With Mourinho seemingly all but confirmed as the new man at the helm, playing time for young stars Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford could decrease, meaning an even greater need for goals… and Zlatan may be the answer.

The Swede’s goalscoring record is incredible, especially in his later years with PSG, where he netted 113 times in just 122 games. Even in the most baron spells of his career, he was scoring over 15 goals a season.

3 – The Mourinho Factor

“We worked together for one year at Inter. The feeling was great between us and my only regret is that Mourinho and I were together for only one year.”

Ibrahimovic’s analysis of his time with Mourinho at Inter is one small example in a never ending list of praise that both men have heaped on each other throughout the years.

Mourinho transformed Ibrahimovic at Inter from a good European striker, to one of the greatest players in the world.

Something just clicks when they work together.

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4 – The Zlatan Brand

The lack of Champions League football at Old Trafford this season means that the club are likely to lose around £60m in revenue.

However, the financial gain that will arise through signing Ibrahimovic alone will recoup this loss and more. Shirt sales, sponsorship deals and ticket sales will undoubtedly improve should the Swede sign for United.

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5 – Working with Youth

While the 34-year-old may not be many parents choice of a role model for the younger generation, there is no doubt that United’s young, fledgling stars will learn an incredible amount from working alongside Ibrahimovic every day.

The likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford will be able to watch exactly how a world class talent conducts himself every single day, something that they have been lacking at Manchester United since the class of ’92 veterans hung up their boots.

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