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Stephen Hunt: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is more like this Man United legend…not Eric Cantona
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is more like Roy Keane than Eric Cantona, according to Stephen Hunt.
Stephen Hunt reckons Zlatan Ibrahimovic is more like Roy Keane than Eric Cantona
The Manchester United striker failed to produce the goalscoring form which has seen him take Old Trafford by storm this season in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been charged by the FA for violent conduct following an altercation with Cherries defender Tyrone Mings, has often been compared to Cantona this season after already finding the net 26 times.
Stephen Hunt reckons Zlatan Ibrahimovic has the same drive to succeed as Roy Keane
Ibrahimovic and Mings avoid red cards in nasty clash
But former Republic of Ireland defender Hunt reckons he is more like Keane than Cantona because of his sheer drive and desire to succeed.
"Don’t be fooled. He [Ibrahimovic] is one of the most serious footballers I’ve seen," Hunt told the Irish Independent.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic dejected during Man United's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth
"I’d put him in the Roy Keane category of sheer drive, and lifting standards around him. He is more interested in his team than Cantona was, and making sure his team is winning.
"When Jesse Lingard scored United’s second goal last week [against Southampton in the EFL Cup final], Ibrahimovic gave him a pat on the back and then started bawling and shouting and demanding concentration throughout the team, telling defenders how to defend, and then doing his own defending, leading by example. It was inspirational stuff.
"Ibrahimovic gives belief to everyone around him in a young United side because he believes in himself, no matter what. So even when the team has not been playing well, or going through a sticky patch in games, he has still oozed the same confidence, calmness and, most importantly, that desire to win."