United legend: Ibrahimovic is as good as Messi

Manchester United legend Pat Crerand thinks Zlatan Ibrahimovic is as good as Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

Ibrahimovic has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season with 12 of those coming in just 17 Premier League appearances.

Ibrahimovic had a bit of a wobble mid-way through the first half of the season but he has now found form that has helped United to four league wins on the bounce.

And Crerand has been so impressed by his performances that he has compared him to Messi, who has scored 23 goals in 19 appearances this season.

“If you ask anyone who’s the best player in the world they would probably say Messi and his feat shows he’s the equal of him,” Crerand said.”I must admit I didn’t realise just how good he is, but seeing him every week, he’s just incredible.

“What I like about him is his intelligence, his football brain. His fitness levels are unbelievable and I just wish he was 25!

“He must be a pleasure to play with and for someone who is a midfield player, to have him playing in front of you with his imagination, must be tremendous.

“For Zlatan to have 17 goals already is a phenomenal achievement.”