Sven Goran Eriksson says Zlatan Ibrahimovic can match the exploits of Eric Cantona at Manchester United.

The swaggering Frenchman's arrival from Leeds triggered the start of a sustained era of Premier League domination – and Eriksson isn't ruling out a repeat following this summer's Bosman capture of his countryman.

“You can't say for sure, of course, but Zlatan is the same type of charismatic figure as Cantona so it's entirely possible he could have the same effect on United as Cantona had all those years ago," he told the Mirror.

“I am certain United will hope that is the case and if you buy a player like Zlatan you are getting someone who is capable of inspiring the players around him by the way he performs. Cantona did that and helped many of the young players at United at that time.

“Zlatan has had an impact wherever he plays because of his ability and his character so a big club like United is an ideal stage for him."