A French sports psychologist believes Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrogant persona is just a front.

Hubert Ripoll, speaking to So Foot, believes the Swede is nowhere near as egotistical as he appears.

Ripoll said: "Two things about Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The first: in general, posers like that I've known, including Olympic champions, are very rare.

"Some, as they enter the stadium, need to act like this, it is a form of ritual. It is always a need for reassurance. To say Ibrahimovic is someone who is not sure of himself ... I'd be the first to say that. I think if he really is, he would not behave well.

"The second thing is, I said the day before the Euros it'd surprise me if he was efficient in this competition. His entire career, Ibrahimovic has never starred in a big competition. I think this is mainly due to issues that are of his personality."