Vieira Backs Zlatan's United Move

Patrick Vieira says Manchester will become "the capital of football" next season when Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrives.

The striker announced on social media on Thursday that he expects to join Manchester United next season and New York City FC boss Vieira has backed his former Inter Milan and Juventus team-mate to succeed in the Premier League.

Former Manchester City player Vieira revealed he had spoken to Ibrahimovic about the move and says he is excited by the prospect of seeing the Sweden international join Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola in the same city next season.

Vieira said: "He is a good friend of mine and we spent time together at Juventus and at Inter.

"We are still in touch once in a while and we have massive respect for each other.

"What I really like about him is his character - he is a winner, a guy who can drive the team because of his character and that is a very good signing for Manchester United.

"I spoke to him this morning - he said that decided to go to United and he believes that is a very good decision for him. Of course I will wish him good luck and I will be following him.

"Look at the two managers in Manchester; look at Ibrahimovic; Aguero on one side, Silva, Rooney. I think Manchester is the capital of football."

Credit: Skysports.com