Rooney Hopes To Form Zlatan Partnership

Wayne Rooney is set to train with Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the first time on Thursday and the Manchester United captain is looking forward to working with the iconic Swedish striker.

Ibrahimovic joined the Reds on 1 July but did not fly to China for Tour 2016, presented by Aon, because he was afforded an extended holiday to recharge his batteries after playing at Euro 2016.

Zlatan, who will be 35 in October, is set to meet his new team-mates on Thursday and could potentially make his unofficial debut against Galatasaray in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Saturday.

“I am looking forward to it,” Rooney explained during a Facebook Live broadcast to promote his upcoming testimonial at Old Trafford. “I think he has been one of the best strikers in world football over the last 10 years and he has always won trophies everywhere he has been.

“He is a huge character so I am looking forward to getting back, training with him and hopefully forming a good partnership and being successful together.”

In the live Q&A that was hosted by Ashley Young, Rooney was also asked for his opinion on working with new manager Mourinho and the club captain spoke optimistically about the future.

“Yeah, it has been great,” Wayne said. “The training has been tough and you can see why he has won trophies at the clubs he has been at. I have enjoyed it, it has been difficult in the heat out here in China, but it has been really good and I am just looking forward to getting involved in the games.”