Manchester United: Eriksson expects Zlatan Ibrahimovic to emulate Eric Cantona

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be a major hit at Manchester United and emulate the influence of Eric Cantona, who led the Red Devils to four Premier League titles. United are currently in Sweden to play a pre-season friendly against Galatasaray, with Ibrahimovic likely to start after returning from an extended holiday following his involvement in the Euros.

Eriksson believes Ibrahimovic is very similar in personality to Cantona and that could have a polarising effect on the United squad, which has gone three years without winning the title. The Red Devils have seen three managerial changes in the past three years and have only tasted success last season when they won the FA Cup, in what turned out to be Louis van Gaal's final season at the club.

Ibrahimovic has signed on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain and is among the three players Jose Mourinho has brought in thus far. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly are the two other players who have made their way to Old Trafford while a world record deal for Paul Pogba is on the horizon.

"You can't say for sure, of course, but Zlatan is the same type of charismatic figure as Cantona so it's entirely possible he could have the same effect on United as Cantona had all those years ago," Eriksson said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"I am certain United will hope that is the case and if you buy a player like Zlatan you are getting someone who is capable of inspiring the players around him by the way he performs. Cantona did that and helped many of the young players at United at that time. Zlatan has had an impact wherever he plays because of his ability and his character so a big club like United is an ideal stage for him."