Ibrahimovic cannot be United’s first-choice striker, says Paul Scholes

Ibrahimovic has gone six games without a goal for United this season, prompting analysts to describe the former Swedish international as a stopgap striker for the Red Devils.

'He's(Zlatan) an athlete and a fit lad. He'll be good to have around the place, for someone like Marcus Rashford to learn from. If at 36 years of age he's going to be the main striker, no I don't see that,” Scholes has said.

“When this club was successful – when I was playing, when Michael (Owen) was playing – we always had three or four brilliant centre forwards. As special as he has been over his career, and as special as he is now, I don't think he should be the main one.

“I think Marcus can take that role, I think now Marcus should be learning from (Zlatan) as much as he can. But there has to be a point when Marcus says: "Right, I'm after your place. We're direct rivals for this position.’”

Owen was of similar opinion.

“He's definitely a stopgap striker isn't he? He's good but we're talking Manchester United, you need to be one of the best striker's in the world to be the regular striker here,” ex-United striker Owen said while doing punditry for BT Sport.

“A little bit like a few seasons ago when Robin van Persie was just brought for the one or two seasons while we maybe they can find someone else on the market or some young kid can come through.”

Meanwhile, Scholes suggested Antoine Griezmann as a striker Jose Mourinho should try to buy in the transfer market.

“'I need a bit of time to think about that one. I think Griezmann would be up there, he looks a top centre forward. Will he stay at Atletico? I'm not sure,” the ex England midfielder said.