Ibrahimovic wants Man United return

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has nailed his colours to the Manchester United mast by telling Jose Mourinho he wants to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

The 35-year-old Swede, who turns 36 in October, has been linked with a move to America but reports suggest he is keen on penning a short-term deal with Mourinho’s side. Ibrahimovic is expected to be out with a cruciate ligament injury until the new year but he could sign a six-month contract when he returns to full fitness. Mourinho hinted the former Paris SaintGermain forward could rejoin the club before United’s 2-1 Super Cup defeat by Real Madrid.

‘Maybe he’ll stay with us,’ Mourinho said. ‘He’s not got a contract, but he’s still close to Manchester, and the fact we are involved in the Super Cup now is also his merit.’ Ibrahimovic, who has won league titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France, has been given permission to use United’s state-of-theart facilities during his rehabilitation programme. The experienced forward, who scored 17 Premier League goals for United last season, helped his side to victories in the Community Shield and League Cup final by scoring in both Wembley encounters.

He sustained his long-term injury during United’s Europa League quarter-final win over Anderlecht.

Romelu Lukaku also hinted Ibrahimovic could stay at the club by revealing he asked the former Sweden international if he could wear his former No 9 shirt.