Jose Mourinho’s latest prediction on star player could be crucial for next season’s title challenge

Could be a key player for years to come.

Even the most optimistic of Manchester United fans couldn't predict the brilliant impact Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made on the Premier League. There was no doubt about the players' quality and class when he arrived to Old Trafford. But questions were raised regarding his age, and whether he would be able to have the same level of influence in England's top tier as opposed to Ligue 1 and Serie A. Those doubts were quickly proven false, as the 35-year-old made and almost immediate impact at Old Trafford and is currently in the running for the Premier League's top scorer. The Swede is currently on 15 goals for the season, just two behind Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal. As Jose Mourinho's side look set to launch a Premier League title challenge next season, fans will undoubtedly agree with the Portuguese manager in his belief that Ibrahimovic is even a better player now than he was when Mourinho coached him at Inter Milan.

"I think he is even better than when I worked with him at Inter," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "He is more collected, more intelligent and understands the game even better. He is not just a finisher, but is also important when it comes to creating goals. "He is a leader. He has a special feeling, a special care with the younger guys."

Furthermore, the 54-year-old believes that there are no signs of the Swede slowing down as he predicts the enigmatic forward will continue to have an impact over the coming seasons which will definitely be music to the ears of United fans.

"I think he could play on until he is 40 from a physical point of view."

Whether those years will be at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but you can be certain that United will do everything in their power to keep the 35-year-old if Mourinho's predictions are anything to go by.