Saturday, 18 November 2017
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reaffirmed his belief that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku are capable of playing alongside each other, especially in a 3-5-2 formation.
The Reds manager has often employed a 4-2-3-1 system for much of the season so far, however, he has also set up with a 3-5-2, a formation which would allow the powerful pair to link up directly in attack.
In his pre-match media briefing ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United at Old Trafford, Mourinho admitted he foresees Ibrahimovic and Lukaku playing alongside each other in the near future, with the Swedish striker back from injury.
"[Ibrahimovic] can play everywhere and, this season, we’ve played with two strikers many times," the boss told the assembled press. "We’ve played [with two strikers] so many times, especially when we play with three at the back, with wing-backs, it allows us to bring in a second striker.
"We are ready to do it," he added. "We’ve been preparing ourselves since pre-season – when we started playing three at the back – so they can play together, no problem."
Mourinho was also keen to welcome Ibrahimovic back into the fold, and he revealed he was thrilled by the big Swede’s return, because of the extra attacking options he provides.
"I’m excited because I have more options," he said. "I’m excited because the team can be better. I’m excited because I want to have the best players available.
"But, you know, I don’t want to make a situation of Zlatan and Romelu because I can play Zlatan and Romelu, just Zlatan, just Romelu or it can be no-one," he added. "I always want options and now I have more options in attack."
