Watford manager Walter Mazzari has lauded Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic ahead of the two teams' Premier League 2016/17 clash on 18 September.
Ibrahimovic has been in prolific form for the Red Devils since he arrived at Old Trafford ahead of the ongoing season. He has achieved instant success at his new club by scoring four league goals from as many games.
The 34-year-old celebrated his reunion with manager Jose Mourinho by scoring the winning goal in United's Community Shield win against Leicester City. The fifth-placed team, which is looking to get back to winning ways after successive defeats against Manchester City and Feyenoord, will bank on their superstar striker to deliver at Watford.
Mazzarri believes his side, which is currently placed tenth, will have to keep Ibrahimovic silent to have any chances of winning against Mourinho's men. He also insisted that United are not just about the tall striker.
"Ibrahimovic is the type of player I call eternal and immortal. I have [coached] against him many times, he can make the difference on the pitch," Mazzarri was quoted as saying by Mirror.
"We will try as we always do with great players but I also want to add that it's very important to keep in my mind Manchester United are not just about Ibrahimovic.
"[Wayne] Rooney, [Marouane] Fellaini; the whole squad, all of the players. They have a great squad and we have to be careful."
Notably, the Watford boss has had some intense on and off-field battles with Mourinho during their time at Serie A. However, the Italian maintained that he has respect for his rival manager.
"I have a very good relationship with Mourinho now. Sometimes the press look at what happens in Italy – the same with [the Chelsea manager Antonio] Conte," Mazzarri said, as quoted by The Guardian.
"It's normal when you fight for top positions that it happens but I have a very good relationship, a strong relationship with him. There is professional respect."
Days after losing to his old foe Pep Guardiola, it would be interesting to see how Mourinho deals with another one on Sunday.
