The former Paris Saint-Germain forward netted a brace to help United to a 3-2 victory over Southampton in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, making it 26 goals in all competitions this season.

United took a 2-0 lead before Southampton mounted a comeback to make it two apiece, but Ibrahimovic shattered the Saints' dream with a late winner.

"Zlatan is the leader. I know Wayne Rooney lifted the cup [despite not being on the pitch] but Zlatan is the leader on the pitch," he told Sky Sports.

"When Cantona walked onto the pitch with his collar up he looked like he loved Old Trafford, he had the aura and confidence. Ibrahimovic is the same.

"Sometimes you hate people who have that much arrogance but I love that because he delivers at the same time.

"When you're a manager and join a new club you need one player who sings off your hymn sheet. Ibrahimovic is that player for [Jose] Mourinho."

United's EFL Cup victory saw them equal Liverpool's record of 41 major trophies.