Manchester United are reportedly set to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic once again, just months after choosing to not extend his previous contract
According to a report by ESPN, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to sign a new contract with Manchester United. The Red Devils expecting to make an announcement as early as this week with the Swedish superstar stepping up his recovery from a gruesome knee injury.
Ibrahimovic has enjoyed a storied career unlike many others, dominating leagues with his superlative performances while laying his hands on a glut of trophies. Last season was no different, after the player made his way to the Premier League at the age of 34, signing for Manchester United on a free transfer.
Written off by many before he had even kicked a ball, Ibrahimovic, though, defied his critics to turn into the talisman for the Red Devils in no time. Making 46 appearances across all competitions for the club, the Swedish striker netted 28 goals to end the season as their top scorer, even though his campaign ended prematurely.
Having been sidelined with a long-term knee injury, it was though that Ibrahimovic’s time at Manchester United had come to an end after the club chose not to exercise their option to extend his contract into a second season.
The Premier League heavyweights, though, have been helping the player on his road to recovery, who has been undergoing rehabilitation at the club’s Carrington training facilities. However, widespread reports claimed that Ibrahimovic was likely to move away from England after recovering from his injury.
The likes of AC Milan and LA Galaxy have been heavily linked with a move for the 35-year-old. But, it now looks like Manchester United are set to retain his services, surprisingly before the summer transfer window slams shut, with the player set to regain fitness earlier than anticipated.
Early reports following his injury had claimed that Ibrahimovic would only be able to return to action around the start of 2018. Recent reports as well as videos posted by the player himself provide an indication that he is mere weeks away from returning to action.
With Jose Mourinho going on record to state that he wants the star striker to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s stance has been rather public. Should Ibrahimovic indeed pen a deal with the Red Devils, he could turn out to be an inspired signing.
While he is unlikely to start week in week out following Manchester United’s acquisition of Romelu Lukaku, the 35-year-old could help ease off the burden off the Belgian striker. Ibrahimovic’s presence could also prove to be beneficial for the learning curves of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
Although he would be pocketing a considerably lesser amount than his previous contract, it now remains to be seen if Ibrahimovic indeed puts pen to paper on a new deal with Manchester United.
