Jose Mourinho remains hopeful over new Zlatan Ibrahimovic deal

Jose Mourinho has claimed that he never had any doubt Zlatan Ibrahimovic would make a big impact at Manchester United and remains hopeful of tying him down for a further year.

The 35-year-old proved to be the key player for the Red Devils in their EFL Cup final meeting with Southampton, finding the net twice to help his side to their first silverware of the season.

Ibrahimovic joined United as a free agent last summer following four successful years with Paris Saint-Germain, but it remains to be seen whether he will take up the option of a 12-month extension on his current terms.

After seeing the former Sweden international net his 25th and 26th goals in his maiden season in English football, Mourinho joked that supporters should beg the superstar forward to prolong his stay at Old Trafford.

"I was his manager [at Inter Milan], I know the potential, and only a silly player comes to England at 35 years old, with the successful career that Zlatan has, only a silly player comes here if he doesn't feel he can do it," he told reporters.

"Who better to know, him or me or you? To take the challenge to come to a country like England, a club like Man Utd, when he takes that decision he feels he is ready. It's his credit, not my credit. It's his merit, everything for him.

"If needed, I think United fans can go to the door of his house, and stay there all night. If needed I think they will go for sure. We all want [a new deal], we all believe he is going to stay with us for one more season."

Following his brace at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, Ibrahimovic has now scored six times in his last five domestic cup finals.