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Manchester United owe Zlatan Ibrahimovic a debt of gratitude for bringing a winning mentality back to Old Trafford, Marouane Fellaini has told Belgian media. Ibrahimovic's arrival at United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer was questioned by some given he turned 35 in October. The Swedish striker, however, has impressed, netting 15 times in 24 Premier League games, five times in seven UEFA Europa League outings and twice in last weekend's EFL Cup final to earn himself the 32nd major title of his career. It also helped United pick up their third trophy in the last nine months, and second of the season after the Community Shield, and Fellaini told La Derniere Heure that Ibrahimovic's attitude has been a key factor in their success. "We can thank Zlatan because he's there at the right moment, he scores goals. He's a very important player, but everyone has been in important in all the games. I have a good relationship with him," the Belgium international said. "Everyone knows he's a great player, that he works hard, that he has his character and that he always wants to win, you see that in training. During games, he's the first one to want to win. And that desire to win is good for the team." While Ibrahimovic has become a key player in Jose Mourinho's starting XI, Fellaini has played a more peripheral role this season. He was an unused substitute against Southampton at Wembley on Sunday and has made 10 Premier League starts this campaign. However, the former Everton midfielder is happy at Old Trafford thanks to the support he has received from Mourinho. "In May, he called me to tell me he was counting on me. From the start, he gave me confidence. I have always had a very good relationship with him. After my goal against Hull I went to him to thank him because he had protected me in difficult times," Fellaini said. "He's a winner who has won trophies everywhere he has gone and I have a great relationship with him. I try to apply what he tells me. Mourinho knows my qualities, where I can be a threat or where I can be important. Am I his Special One? I'm there for the team, I am a team player."
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