Ibrahimovic hails his predictive powers after sealing EFL Cup triumph

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hailed his predictive powers after he scored twice in Manchester United's 3-2 EFL Cup final victory over Southampton.

The 35-year-old put United ahead after 19 minutes at Wembley and Jesse Lingard doubled their lead before Southampton battled back to 2-2 thanks to Manolo Gabbiadini's brace.

Ibrahimovic rose to head home United's winning goal in the 87th minute and he told Sky Sports that his second trophy in English football, after the Community Shield, was nothing more than what he expected when he joined the club in July 2016.

"This is what I predicted, everything I saw would happen," he said. "Others didn't see it. I came here to show others what I saw.

"This is what I came for: to win, and I'm winning. The more I win, the more satisfied I get. That's me."

Big game. Big moment. Big player.  #MUFC #EFLCup pic.twitter.com/6WUoZAK8K3

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 26, 2017

Ibrahimovic has won silverware at every club he has played for since he left Malmo for Ajax in 2001 and the triumphs have become more poignant for the veteran as his career has progressed.

The Swede, who won four consecutive league titles with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Old Trafford, said: "You appreciate it more the older you get.

"In the beginning at Ajax it was all hype, and you don't realise what it means. The older I got the more I understood that it's all about winning and collecting these trophies.

"This is my 32nd trophy and I'm super happy. Wherever I went, I won.

Despite his key role in the victory over Claude Puel's side, Ibrahimovic was quick to credit his team-mates after they kept up the fight against a Southampton side who threatened throughout.

Ibrahimovic said: "It was very nice because we were winning 2-0, they came up to 2-2 and we looked a bit tired, but I got the opportunity and I scored.

"It was a team effort, and not about individuals.

"I keep going, I keep doing what I'm doing. I'm enjoying my time in England.

"I got a call from Jose Mourinho - I might have a good relationship with him - and, when he called, that's the reason I came. I'm happy I came. I know I made the right choice. I predicted things - what I predicted is what I'm doing now."

Asked whether he was part of something special at the club, Ibrahimovic said: "I came - that's special."