Patrick Vieira backs Zlatan Ibrahimovic to impress in England

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 30 June 2016

New York City FC boss Patrick Vieira backs his "good friend" Zlatan Ibrahimovic to prove "a very good signing" for Manchester United.

New York City FC boss Patrick Vieira has backed his "good friend" Zlatan Ibrahimovic to prove "a very good signing" for Manchester United.

Ibrahimovic confirmed on Thursday afternoon that he had agreed a deal with Man United and the experienced striker is expected to undergo a medical with the Premier League club on Friday ahead of putting pen to paper on a one-year deal.

Vieira has also claimed that Manchester will now be "the capital of football" due to the presence of a number of big names, including Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

"He is a good friend of mine and we spent time together at Juventus and at Inter. We are still in touch once in a while and we have massive respect for each other," Vieira told reporters.

"What I really like about him is his character - he is a winner, a guy who can drive the team because of his character and that is a very good signing for Manchester United.

"I spoke to him this morning - he said that decided to go to United and he believes that is a very good decision for him. Of course I will wish him good luck and I will be following him. Look at the two managers in Manchester; look at Ibrahimovic; Aguero on one side, Silva, Rooney. I think Manchester is the capital of football."

Vieira left his role with Manchester City to take charge in New York earlier this year.