Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic describes himself as 'football's Indiana Jones'

The Swedish forward was speaking in the wake of his side's 3-0 victory against St Etienne on Thursday night

Ibrahimovic has scored 23 goals in all competitions so far this season (Getty)

Indiana Jones may be best known for his archaeological heroics and fedora hat, but that hasn’t stopped Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic from drawing comparisons between himself and the George Lucas creation.

Indeed, in his latest self-proclamation the Swedish forward has dubbed himself as ‘football’s Indiana Jones’ – succeeding wherever he goes.

The 35-year-old has comprehensively silenced the doubters in England, enjoying a scintillating run of form that has taken his goal tally to 23 in all competitions this season.

Ibrahimovic's first hat-trick for the club saw St Etienne put to the sword at Old Trafford on Thursday night as Jose Mourinho's men ran out 3-0 victors in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash.

United are favourites to win the competition, just as they are for the upcoming EFL Cup final against Southampton, and the veteran Swede is determined to win more silverware.

Ibrahimovic has already won the Community Shield since joining United, with the well-travelled striker comparing his history of success to fictional archaeologist and adventurer Jones.

"Every trophy for me is incredible, everywhere I came I won so if I can win something here I will be super happy," he said.

"People that know me know that I play in many clubs and I try to do my best.

"Wherever I went I won, so I am like Indiana Jones."

While Ibrahimovic may not have encountered the same obstacles as Jones, the Swede has certainly enjoyed a prolific career across the continent, accumulating an impressive medal-laden CV.

Throughout his time the forward has won four Serie A titles, one Fifa Club World Cup, one La Liga title, four Ligue 1 medals and more.

Thursday's hat-trick was the 17th of his career and took his goal tally against St Etienne alone to 17, putting a smile on the striker's face.

"It feels good," Ibrahimovic said. "I got a lot of help from my team-mates. We played an open game today and it was important to get a good result so we can take it into the second leg.

"We won 3-0 and I got to score the three goals so I am happy for that. We have still many games to play so hopefully I can continue like I am doing.

"I've scored a couple of goals against them, I don't focus on specific opponents, I just try to do my job, try to do what I am good at."

Not everybody wearing red on Thursday can say they did their job, leading Mourinho to express his anger at their first-half display.

It was in the end, though, a solid first-leg victory against a decent side that few expect to overturn the deficit in France next Wednesday.


 Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring his first goal for United on Thursday night 
 (Getty)

Put to Ibrahimovic that a clean sheet was important, the former Paris St Germain striker said: "Exactly. A good result because I know how difficult it is to play over there.

"They have a fantastic crowd, fantastic support, and the stadium is very nice, so the guys will see it when we go there. It was important today to get a good result.

"It is a good team. They always make it difficult for every team they play against and when I was at PSG the same thing. They did good.

"I think a couple of players are new, a couple of players left, but it is a good team."

Additional reporting by PA