Ronald Koeman has claimed that working with Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped him become a better manager.
The Everton boss will be reunited with his former Ajax protege, who returns to action for Manchester United on Tuesday night after serving a three-game ban.
Ibrahimovic’s last meeting with Koeman was clouded in controversy as he appeared to stamp down on Seamus Coleman in December’s clash between the sides.
But the Dutchman believes that United’s veteran striker was a vital in shaping his current coacing identity.
He said: “I managed Zlatan. He was young and sometimes also difficult.
“It’s normal. I’m also better now to handle for a coach than when I was 19.
“He was funny but sometimes difficult because when I was at Ajax we had a lot of young players at that time – (Wesley )Sneijder, (Rafael) Van der Vaart, (Nigel) De Jong, (John) Heitinga, Mido, Zlatan.
“We had really big talents at that time, but all were 19, driving Porsches, driving Ferraris. New generation.”