If ever there was a perfect time for the man to get coy about whether will be staying at Manchester United for another year then this was it. Because his two goal salvo, which included an 87th minute header that decided the game, proved his value beyond all doubt.
Zlatan has now scored 26 goals in his first season in England after a summer move which many onlookers thought would be a step too far at this stage of his career.
But, after a few profligate performances earlier in the season, the Manchester United number nine has made a mockery of the suggestion that the pace of the Premier League would be too much for hm at the age of 35.
Zlatan looks ever more like Cantona MKII. He’s got the same swagger to his game. The same confidence levels and a similar empathy for the game.
He’s a top quality target man who holds the ball up and brings others into play as well as anyone in England.
And, as once more proven on Sunday, the Manchester United forward has the rare ability to make a difference in the biggest games and on the biggest stages.
While others huffed and puffed at Wembley on Sunday, Zlatan cruised through the game and made vital contributions at the best possible times.
As such he was head and shoulders above the rest and he assuredly going to be on the shortlist for player of the year in what is turning out to be a remarkable swan song for the Swede.