United should sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Roy Keane

 
Roy Keane has backed Manchester United’s pursuit of Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic and believes the striker can provide the same sort of spark in the dressing room that Eric Cantona once did at Old Trafford.

Keane is a big admirer of Ibrahimovic, not just because of his talent on the pitch, but also because of his personality. Having played with Cantona at United, the Irishman can see the similarities between his old teammate and the charismatic Swede.

With the Republic of Ireland preparing to face Sweden in their first group game at the European Championships on Monday night, Ireland’s assistant manager was inevitably drawn into talking about United’s link with Ibrahimovic.

The 34-year-old is expected to confirm he has agreed a one-year deal to move to Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the month and Keane is confident he will be a success under new United manager Jose Mourinho.

“Of course he’s a good fit for United, he’s a good player,” said Keane. “Is he like Eric Cantona? They're big characters, clearly, whatever you say about Cantona he was a popular lad, and I get the impression Zlatan is the same.

“Whatever you hear about his playing career, you hear from his team mates and he seems to be a bit of a character, and you can see that in the way he plays.

“It's good to see that, because there's a lack of characters out there, and he certainly is that. On top of all that, he's a very, very good player. To compare him to Eric, he's a little different, but he’s a very good player.

“People talk about Ibrahimovic having a bit of temper like that’s a bad thing... it depends how you use it. I’m still learning, but then again I don’t have one.”

Meanwhile, Keane has admitted he is still interested in a return to club management, despite agreeing a two-year extension to his contract with the Republic of Ireland.

“I’ve had opportunities to go back into club management when I’ve been in this job,” Keane explained. “But not enough for me to go ‘yeah, time for me to leave.’ The time’s not right yet.

“I’m enjoying it too much. And unless people say… and whatever it is about job offers, it’s got to be the right one. Got to be the right club, and that hasn’t happened yet.”

Telegraph