Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Manchester United move like Mayweather-Pacquiao

The bout in 2015 was one of the most hyped sporting occasions of all time and smashed all box-office records. Friday’s transfer, which reunites Ibrahimovic with super coach Jose Mourinho at one of the most famous clubs in the world, has similar pull, according to the striker.

"I compare it with the Mayweather and Pacquiao fight,” he said in his first interview with MUTV. “They said it would never happen but it happened.

"I want to say thanks to my team and Jose Mourinho because they made it possible. Now I'm at United and I'm super happy. My decision was the easiest part. The rest was a puzzle but the puzzle came together and we are happy, all of us."

The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight was widely viewed as a disappointment, with both fighters well past their peak. Ibrahimovic does not lack belief about the impact he can have in Manchester though.

"To be representing Manchester United is the big thing, every game will be 'wow' for the world, especially with the new coaches, the new players and I think it will be a funny year in a good competition,” he said. “It's a hard competition, but I'm not worried.

"I came to win. I don't come to waste time. I don't come to look at the weather."