Gray adapting to life in the Premier League again

Andre Gray believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic's recent rut truly reflects the reality of being a striker in the Premier League.
Andre Gray vies for possession with Manchester United's Luke ShawAndre Gray vies for possession with Manchester United's Luke Shaw
Andre Gray vies for possession with Manchester United's Luke Shaw

The Swedish summer signing, who has scored close to 400 career goals, made an impressive start to his Manchester United tenure when netting five times in his first five appearances.

However, the 35-year-old, signed from Ligue 1 side PSG, has since scored just once in 10 games, against Zorya in the Europa League in September.

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Ibrahimovic, a £56.5m signing for Barcelona seven years ago, has been prolific wherever he’s been, from Malmo to Ajax and in various spells in Serie A with Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.

Andre Gray runs at the Manchester United defenceAndre Gray runs at the Manchester United defence
Andre Gray runs at the Manchester United defence

Giving his thoughts on the top flight, Gray said: “It’s difficult. You don’t get as many chances so you’ve got to try and make the most out of half chances and learn.

“I had a chance, I could’ve drove on a bit further and I’ve probably tried to be a bit too clever but it’s something to learn from.

“I feel like I’m starting to understand the game a lot more as the games go by. It was never going to be easy but hopefully I can kick on now and score a few more goals.

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“There’s quality, a lack of mistakes and you don’t come across many slow players. You’ve got to be cleverer and every time I’ve gone up I’ve had to learn and develop my game. I’m slowly doing that.”

Andre Gray and Sam Vokes celebrate the draw at Old TraffordAndre Gray and Sam Vokes celebrate the draw at Old Trafford
Andre Gray and Sam Vokes celebrate the draw at Old Trafford

Gray added: “Everyone goes through those situations but it’s football and everyone goes through a rut. I did it at Brentford when I didn’t score for nine games and then I still managed to get 15 goals.

“It happens, sometimes things don’t go your way. One might hit him next week and go in and he’ll go on from there. It’s part and parcel of being a striker.”

Meanwhile, last season’s Championship Player of the Year was pleased to put a testing period behind him by playing an hour at the Theatre of Dreams after completing a four-match ban following historical posts on social media: “It’s been difficult. I’ve been training and having to do extras. It’s hard because you want to be playing.”