Blomqvist: Ibrahimovic Is The Ultimate Pro

Jesper Blomqvist claims the fellow Swede who joined Manchester United in the summer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, could be as influential off the pitch as he is in attack for the Reds.

A one-game suspension for accruing five yellow cards means Ibrahimovic will be absent from a United match squad for the first time when Arsenal visit Old Trafford on Saturday. The striker has previously featured in every fixture bar one, the home win over Fenerbahce when he was an unused substitute. 

But while Ibrahimovic won't be able to play against Arsene Wenger's side, his influence will still be felt around the Aon Training Complex in the build-up, according to former United winger Blomqvist.

The Treble winner told MUTV: "It's obvious what Zlatan has brought to the club on the pitch - and not just directly. His movement allows space for others to create and score goals too.

"But he's also just as important off the pitch, showing the youngsters how to be a good professional and setting an example. He still works hard, in spite of the fact that he's won everything, and he enjoys it. That's a good sign."

During an interview at the launch of official partner Marathonbet's new casino, Blomqvist also discussed another of this season's new arrivals, Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

"He can definitely become a star," commented Jesper, whose 38 appearances for the Reds included the 1999 Champions League final.

"United is a big club though and it takes longer to settle in for some players. Maybe Henrikh needs a little more time to settle in but, when you see how he reads the game and what he has achieved elsewhere, it’s surely only going to be a matter of time before he shows us what he can do at Old Trafford."