Mourinho: Ibrahimovic could play until he's 40

If you ask Jose Mourinho, his star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could continue dominating defenders for another five years.

The Manchester United manager, speaking ahead of Sunday's EFL Cup final against Southampton, waxed lyrical about the virtues of the 35-year-old Swede, saying his physical skill set could allow him to play into his 40s.

"I think he is even better than when I worked with him at Inter," Mourinho said of Ibrahimovic, who has 24 goals in all competitions during his first campaign with the Red Devils.

"He is more collected, more intelligent, and understands the game even better. He is not just a finisher, but is also important when it comes to creating goals.

"He is a leader. He has a special feeling, a special care with the younger guys. I think he could play on until he is 40 from a physical point of view."

The Portuguese added: "But is not only about the physical point of view. It is also about a mental point of view. One day he will make his decision and the world of football will have to accept it. What he has been doing is phenomenal. But one day he will wake up and decide enough is enough."