Ibrahimovic: I'm Like Benjamin Button

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists he feels like film character Benjamin Button following his Man-of-the-Match display away to Sunderland.

The 35-year-old summer signing opened the scoring on Wearside to take his tally for the season to 28 goals in all competitions, as the Reds claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Ibrahimovic's impeccable form over the years is eulogised with the knowledge that his strike at Sunderland was his 250th goal for club and country since he turned 30.

It was United's third of nine matches this month and that is a hectic schedule for Zlatan to navigate. However, like Benjamin Button, he amusingly claims to feel younger with each game.

"I train hard," Ibra told Sky Sports. "I believe in myself and I know what I am able to do. I'm not worried. The older you are, the more experienced, the more intelligent you are, and you don't waste energy on things you don't need. I feel like Benjamin Button. I was born old and will die young."

With United moving up to fifth and four points off local rivals Manchester City, the forward states the Reds still have the belief of finishing in the top four, with the unbeaten league run now stretching to 21 games.

"Today was a good win,” Ibrahimovic said. “We have to keep focus, keep working and keep believing we can reach the top four. We believe in it and we will do everything we can to reach the top four.”

United dominated against strugglers Sunderland and the result never looked in doubt after Ibrahimovic’s Swedish compatriot, Sebastian Larsson, was shown a straight red for a high challenge on Ander Herrera.

"At the end the best team will win so the game was good and we got the 1-0 and the red card,” Zlatan said. "I couldn't see if it was a red card or not but he gave it and then we played with one more. Sometimes it's more difficult but sometimes it gives you the advantage because you have one more.”

United now prepare to travel to Belgium for Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Anderlecht, before returning to host Premier League leaders Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.