Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a winner – Ander Herrera

Jose Mourinho insists Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s success since his decision to move to England is down to him.

Ander Herrera hailed the performances of Manchester United teammates Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David De Gea after they beat Southampton 3-2 to lift the EFL Cup trophy at Wembley stadium on Sunday.

Swedish forward Ibrahimovic, who joined United as a free agent last summer following the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, put his team ahead in the 19th minute with a brilliant free kick before Jesse Lingard made it 2-0.

After Southampton pulled level through Manolo Gabbiadini’s brace, Ibrahimovic headed in Herrera’s cross for the winner three minutes from time.

Herrera said of Ibrahimovic to Cadena Ser radio: “He appears at crucial times and we needed him in the 86th minute. He scored the goal that gave us the title.

“I’m asked many times about him, and I don’t know what to say anymore. He is 35, he has won things in all the countries he has played in.

“He is competitive, he drills us about winning each game in every training session. He is a winner.”

Herrera said without Ibrahimovic’s famous character he would not be the same player, adding: “You have to put up with how competitive he is.”

The Spain midfielder — who has made 32 starts in all competitions for United this season, his latest on Sunday — also praised compatriot De Gea.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as Manchester United…