Jesse Lingard: 'Zlatan Ibrahimovic has led Manchester United team'

Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has talked up the leadership qualities that summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic has brought to the club.

The 34-year-old arrived at Old Trafford for a free transfer this summer, and the experienced striker has already found the back of the net on five occasions for his new side.

With club captain Wayne Rooney dropped from the starting lineup last weekend due to his poor form, Lingard revealed how Ibrahimovic stepped up to fill the void left by the England international.

"He's been a leader for the team, especially when the captain's not playing," he told reporters.

"He's stepped up and he's really led the team. Obviously the young lads look up to him and most of the older lads do as well. We've seen what he's done in his career and obviously he wants to win trophies with Man United.

"He talks to the young lads a lot, especially me and Marcus (Rashford), and Paul Pogba, to help us through the games. He's always there for us and he's always there for the team."

Manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Ibrahimovic will start Thursday's Europa League match with Zorya Luhansk despite reports earlier this week claiming that he had been granted holiday instead.