Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho reveals Zlatan Ibrahimovic is making his presence felt

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed Zlatan Ibrahimovic is already making his presence felt at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old striker started training with his new teammates earlier this week and the Premier League-winning manager has revealed Ibrahimovic has made an immediate impression.

The Swede, who joined United on a free transfer in July, said that despite his reputation as being brash and egotistical, Ibrahimovic has been friendly and co-operative with the United squad.

"With Zlatan you may see someone with a big ego, big self-esteem, but it is in a positive way," the United manager told MUTV. "When he is with the group, he is humble and friendly to everyone – integration is good.

"Zlatan is a fantastic player and, immediately in training, we could feel what I call 'functional empathy' – people looking to him, him looking to connect with other players. He is an amazing link player, an amazing player. He could be anything on the pitch, not just a goalscorer."

Ibrahimovic has been joined at United during the summer transfer window by defender Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, both of whom are likely to form part of Mourinho's first-choice side this season. Mourinho admitted that Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan – both of whom are represented by the same agent, Dutchman Mino Raiola – are helped by their ability to speak English.

"Zlatan and Henrikh are fluent in English and in many other languages," the United boss explained. "They are good guys and experienced guys.

"Eric doesn't speak English too well. But he speaks French and Spanish which makes it an easy position in this squad with all his teammates who speak those languages. He is coming up, step by step."