Alexander Isak breaks Man Utd legend's Premier League record in Sheffield Utd rout

  • Isak behind only Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland in race for 2023/24 Golden Boot
  • Sweden international set a new record and surpassed Man Utd great in the process
  • Only Freddie Ljungberg has scored more Premier League goals as a Swedish player than Isak
Isak broke a Man Utd legend's record on Saturday
Isak broke a Man Utd legend's record on Saturday / Ian MacNicol/GettyImages
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Despite missing a decent chunk of the season through injury, Alexander Isak's red-hot form has seen him emerge as a contender for the 2023/24 Premier League's Golden Boot.

The Newcastle striker has featured in only 26 of his side's 34 league games this term but now sits on 19 goals for the campaign, with only Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland - who both have 20 - netting more.

The Sweden international was at it again on Saturday afternoon as he struck twice in a 5-1 thrashing of Sheffield United, relegating their opponents after going behind just five minutes in. Bruno Guimaraes and Callum Wilson were also on the scoresheet.

His two goals helped him set a new record, too. With his brace against the Blades, Isak broke the record for most goals scored by a Swedish player in a Premier League season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who only spent one full season at Manchester United, rattled in 17 back in 2016/17 under Jose Mourinho.

Isak is already second for most goals by a Swedish player in the Premier League with 29, with Arsenal great Freddie Ljungberg sat at the top with 48.

While Newcastle won't repeat their finish of fourth from last season, Isak's goals in recent weeks have propelled them back into the European qualification spots and manager Eddie Howe admitted he hopes to keep hold of the former Real Sociedad star over the summer transfer window.


Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic had brief success at Man Utd / Alex Livesey/GettyImages

Asked if the 24-year-old is world class, Howe said: "I think he is, yes, I think he is.

"For me, I think the biggest thing is would I swap him with anybody else? No, I wouldn't. When you look at his age profile and what's to come, you look at his attributes and his qualities, he's some talent.

"I think we should just enjoy his performances, how he's playing at the moment.

"He's full of confidence, he looks physically in a really good place and I just think it's a great thing to watch him play currently."

Isak has been linked with a move to title challengers Arsenal in recent months, though he admitted he hadn't given those rumours much thought when asked back in March.


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