Zlatan born for Manchester derby —Thierry Henry

If ever a fixture was made for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it is today’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford, according to his former Barcelona team-mate, Thierry Henry.

A global television audience of 900 million is estimated for the Premier League match that pitches United new manager, Jose Mourinho into renewed battle with City’s Pep Guardiola.

Henry believes the Swede striker who arrived at Old Trafford on a free transfer and has scored four goals in four appearances, is the key in today’s Manchester derby.

“Zlatan was born for these types of games, he demands these types of games, and he usually performs,” Henry, who played with him in the 2009-10 season at the Nou Camp, told Sky Sports.

“Zlatan obviously has a bit of an edge on him now, he’s not the young player he used to be, but there is something, he usually backs it up when he talks.

“He maybe hasn’t controlled games yet, but it doesn’t matter for Zlatan, he has scored, and that’s the impact you want. That is something I like about him, he brings a winning mentality. He doesn’t like second best, wherever he went he won the league.”

The France ‘98 World Cup hero also offered insight into how City’s manager Guardiola will be preparing for a match that will surpass even his many Barcelona v Real Madrid ‘clasicos’ in terms of sheer hyperbole.

“He will be very relaxed and sure about what he wants from his players, he usually gives you the perfect plan,” Henry said.

“Then it’s up to the players to execute it. He will have an answer to any problem the other team pose.”