Zlatan Ibrahimovic is finished as a world-class striker: Man United star panned

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is not a world-class striker anymore, according to Paul Merson.

The Manchester United star has attracted criticism for a poor run of form that has seen him fail to score in his last five Premier League games.

His last goal in all competitions came against minnows Zorya in the Europa League on September 29 while he failed to net in last night's EFL Cup win against Manchester City.

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a world-class striker”

Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson

Merson believes Ibrahimovic is unlikely to fully get to grips with the top-flight because he is in the final throws of his career.

But the ex-Arsenal forward reckons Jose Mourinho will keep faith with his first-choice striker for the visit of Burnley on Saturday.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a world-class striker but he's not anymore," Merson told Sky Sports.

"He is 35 and playing in the hardest league in the world so as the season goes on, I can't see him getting better

Jose Mourinho will obviously stick with him despite his recent struggles and he should get a few opportunities against Burnley, who haven't looked up to scratch away from Turf Moor.

"It looks like a routine home win to follow up Wednesday's big result over rivals Manchester City.