Zlatan vows to ‘finish what I started’ at United

Veteran striker pens new one-year contract

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ready to “finish what I started” after the veteran Sweden striker turned down other offers to re-sign for Manchester United on a oneseason deal.

The 35-year-old netted 28 goals for the Red Devils after a free transfer move following his departure from Paris StGermain last summer.

Ibrahimovic’s campaign, though, was prematurely cut short by a knee ligament injury suffered in the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht on April 20.

However, after initially looking set to depart Old Trafford having not been offered another year, the Premier League club confirmed yesterday a new deal had now been agreed.

In an interview with ESPN FC, Ibrahimovic revealed it was always his first choice to sign up again with United, but there was a “big chance” of joining Major League Soccer after his Old Trafford swansong.

“There were a couple of teams reaching out, wanting ‘Ibra-kadabra’ in their team, but I had such a great year with United, we had a great year, we won three trophies. Fantastic guys, great club,” he said.

“I’m in a situation where I have to think 360 degrees around me. Everybody is happy about this and I’m super happy. “I come back to finish what I started.” United offered Ibrahimovic the use of their Carrington facilities to carry out his rehabilitation following knee surgery to repair damaged ligaments.

It remains to be seen just when Ibrahimovic will be back in action and wearing the number 10 shirt which was vacated after Wayne Rooney left for Everton.

United’s frontline is now spearheaded by £75 million summer signing Romelu Lukaku and the Red Devils have won both opening Premier League matches 4-0, with the Belgian scoring three goals.

United boss Jose Mourinho told the club’s official website he was confident the frontman can, once fully fit, continue to play an important role for his squad.

“After his contribution last season he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return,” he said.