Manchester United have been handed a huge boost with Zlatan Ibrahimovic expected to return to training next month.
Ibrahimovic missed the end of last season after rupturing his anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments during United’s 2-1 extra-time win against Anderlecht in the Europa League quarter final second leg.
There had been fears the 36-year-old would have to retire and United had originally decided against re-signing Ibrahimovic when his contract ran out during the summer.
However, Ibrahimovic did sign a new deal and, according to the Times, the Swede is expected to return to training next month and could be in contention for selection before the end of the year. United have eight games in December, including a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal and a Manchester derby at home.
On the confirmation of Ibrahimovic staying at United, manager Mourinho said:”After his contribution last season he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return.
“I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season.
“We are delighted Zlatan is on the road to recovery and we are equally delighted to have his ambition and experience back with us.”
Ibrahimovic has been undertaking his rehabilitation spread across the United States, Monte Carlo’s exclusive Thirty Nine sports club and United’s Carrington training ground.
Despite his injury, the Swede was named in United’s Premier League and Champions League squads so would be eligible to play as soon as his recovery is complete.
Playing in the Premier League for the first time at the age of 35, Ibrahimovic proved those who claimed he would not manage in English football wrong.
The Swede had a storming start to last season and was United’s top goalscorer in the league, despite missing the final seven games through his injury.
Scoring 17 goals, Ibrahimovic was the only United player to reach double figures for goals in the league. With four being scored from outside the box, only Harry Kane (five) and Philippe Coutinho (six) scored more goals from outside the area than Ibrahimovic.
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