ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC powered in a late header Sunday as Manchester United won the League Cup at Wembley Stadium in London by edging Southampton 3-2.

    Ibrahimovic’s first goal in the first final of the season came in the 18th minute, direct from a free kick. Jesse Lingard doubled United’s advantage in the 38th minute to add to his Wembley goals in the FA Cup final and Community Shield in 2016.

    But United threw away its advantage as Manolo Gabbiadini scored either side of halftime to draw Southampton level in its pursuit of a first major trophy since beating United in the 1976 FA Cup final. The game was heading into extra time but Ibrahimovic had other ideas, meeting Ander Herrera’s cross with a bullet header in the 87th minute.

    “The man here made the difference,” Paul Pogba, the world’s most expensive player, said next to Ibrahimovic on the field. “That’s why we bought him.”

    Ibrahimovic interjected: “Bought him? I came for free.”

    Six months into their first seasons at United, Jose Mourinho and Ibrahimovic have collected their first winners’ medals.

    Just how long this partnership of serial winners endures at United remains uncertain.

    There’s little doubt Mourinho wants Ibrahimovic to commit to staying at United into next season, especially after the 35-year-old striker’s double clinched the League Cup on Sunday.

    But Mourinho hopes the supporters will take direct action to convince the Swede to sign the contract extension the club has offered.

    “I never beg for a player to sign a contract,” said Mourinho, who previously coached Ibrahimovic at Inter Milan. “One day Zlatan decided to go to Barcelona. I was very sad but I did nothing to try stop him from going.

    “So I don’t beg for players but if needed I think maybe United fans can go to the door of his house and stay there and stay there all night if needed. I think they will go for sure.”(SD-Agencies)