Jaap Stam has sung the praises of Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Reading manager played against the Swede in Serie A when he was at AC Milan and Zlatan at Juventus just over a decade ago.

Stam and Ibrahimovic will again lock horns when the Dutchman takes his Royals to Old Trafford for the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Of their playing duals, United great Stam said: "I think it was quite even.

"It was a nice physical battle! He's a quality player. He's tall, he's strong, he uses his body very well.

"For a big player, he has great technique on the ball, his first touches and everything. The first couple of yards he's quick as well.

"He played for big teams, always scored, always won trophies, performed better than certain people who give comments on TV.

"You look at his career, he's a guarantee for success."