Manchester United star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed that he plays much more intelligently these days and could have possibly been “even more phenomenal” if his 25-year-old self played with his current mindset

When you talk about the best strikers in world football in recent memory, Zlatan Ibrahimovic would probably be among the top names in the list. The 35-year-old former Sweden captain has enjoyed a glittering career all over Europe, winning league titles in Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands, also scoring goals by the truckload.

The superstar made his first foray into English football this year, as he joined Premier League giants Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

So far, his career as a Manchester United player has been successful on a personal level, appearing 13 times for the Red Devils in a little over four months, and scoring 13 goals in the period to be the top scorer for Jose Mourinho’s side this season.

While his talent is undeniable, Ibrahimovic in his own words has said that he would have done more with his career if only he could use the experience he has gained over the years a decade back. Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, the star Swede said: “I think I play much more intelligently now because, of course, you change a lot during the years.

SWANSEA, WALES - NOVEMBER 06: : Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides second goal with Phil Jones (l) during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at Liberty Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES – NOVEMBER 06: : Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides second goal with Phil Jones (l) during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at Liberty Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo courtesy Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“You get a different physique, you get a different condition, strengths and experiences. But I wish I had the mind that I have today 10 years ago, because then I will be even more phenomenal.”

Ibrahimovic notched up club appearance number 700 on Sunday as Manchester United narrowly beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday. While he did not manage to score on the day, his invaluable experience came to the fore as he helped Ander Herrera set up the winning goal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Even though he struggled after a boisterous start to life in Manchester, he has settled in nicely, scoring a bunch of influential goals against the likes of Swansea City, West Ham United and Everton.

As Manchester United prepare for their clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, Ibrahimovic’s performance will again be crucial for their fortunes, as they look to record back-to-back wins in the league for the first time since August.

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