Jamie Carragher hails "special" Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring during his side's EFL Cup final victory over Southampton at Wembley on February 26, 2017
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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has proved his doubters wrong having scored 26 goals already in his debut campaign in England.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic following his brace against Southampton in the EFL Cup final on Sunday.

The 35-year-old scored the opening goal and the winner at Wembley to fire United to their first major piece of silverware under Jose Mourinho, taking his tally for the season to 26 across all competitions.

The Swede has been his side's standout player since his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, and Carragher acknowledged that he has proved his doubters wrong.

"I think it's unbelievable what we're watching. Throughout his career there was always a feeling in England that maybe he was a flat track bully," he told Sky Sports News.

"In Champions League games against English teams it never quite happened for him. But to think, after 30 years of age, he has got over 200 goals. Will he be able to cope with the demand of the Premier League? He told us he would and he's proved to be correct.

"For him to be carrying one of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United, at his age, in the most difficult position on the field, I just think we're watching something special. You only wish we had him in the Premier League 10 years ago."

Ibrahimovic has scored more goals, created more chances and played more minutes than any other United player this season.

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring during his side's EFL Cup final victory over Southampton at Wembley on February 26, 2017
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea26203355193663
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs26158350183253
3Liverpool27157558342452
4Manchester CityMan City25164551292252
5Arsenal26155655312450
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd261310339221749
7Everton26128642271544
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2711793634240
9Stoke CityStoke2798103240-835
10Southampton2696113234-233
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham2696113544-933
12Burnley2794143040-1031
13Watford2787123347-1431
14Bournemouth2776143752-1527
15Leicester CityLeicester2776143045-1527
16Swansea CitySwansea2783163559-2427
17Crystal Palace2774163546-1125
18Middlesbrough27410131930-1122
19Hull City2756162453-2921
20Sunderland2654172448-2419
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