Zlatan’s days at United may not be over after all
ZLATAN Ibrahimovic will continue his rehabilitation with United despite becoming a free agent on July 1.
The Reds have opted not to give him a new contract, with the Swedish striker ruled out until the new year following surgery on his cruciate knee ligament injury.
It is understood the 35-year-old signed by Jose Mourinho from Paris St Germain last summer on a one-season deal with the option of another - will recuperate under United’s care at their Carrington training HQ.
And, if his recovery is successful and United feel they could use him, it has been mooted that he could be offered a short-term deal to see out the remainder of the season.
Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals before serious knee ligament damage brought his campaign to a halt in April.
United have remained quiet about Ibrahimovic’s future since then, but the striker was named on the Premier League’s official list of players let go on Friday.
That came as no surprise given the highly-paid Swede is unlikely to play until January at the earliest, but it is understood he will do his rehabilitation with United.
The club are keen to look after Ibrahimovic and have been doing so both on site and from afar since his injury in the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht.
Following his injury against Anderlecht in April, Ibrahimovic said: “It’s no news I got injured so I will be out of football for a while.
“I will go through this like everything else and come back even stronger.
“So far I played with one leg so it shouldn’t be any problem.
“One thing is for sure, I decide when it’s time to stop and nothing else. Giving up is not an option. See you soon.”
Ibrahimovic posted a cryptic message on social media after confirmation of his release.
The 35-year-old posted a video of crumpled bedsheets, before pulling back the covers to reveal a pair of feet, wearing blue Nike boots.
It is filmed to the soundtrack of a classic western theme.
Mourinho is already looking to life after Ibrahimovic.
The United manager is hoping to secure the signing of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata after identifying him as the man to lead his attack next season.