Zlatan Ibrahimovic close to new deal with Manchester United
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on the verge of signing a new contract with Manchester United and could possibly rejoin the team as soon as this week, sources have told ESPNFC.
The Swedish striker is still on the road to recover following his gruesome ACL tear in April. However, with the 35-year old’s latest Instagram post, it looks like he’s coming along just fine.
Sources have told ESPN that a new deal is in the works, and could be finalized this week. But United are in no rush as Ibrahimovic is still working to get back to his peak fitness level.
“He is injured, he needs time to recover, and is not ready to play tomorrow. It’s not something that’s urgent, it’s not desperate to have it done or not,” manager Jose Mourinho said speaking before the UEFA Super Cup.
United declined to activate Ibrahimovic’s one year option at the end of the season, but they gave the big Swede full access to their AON Training Centre to aid in recovery following his surgery to repair his torn ACL.
Ibrahmiovic played a huge role in the success United had last season. Along with netting 28 times, his persona and leadership were key for a team in transition.
Jose Mourinho is keen to have Ibrahimovic back, and it seems like the former PSG man isn’t ready to call it quits yet.
“It was very clear from him that what he did last year was not enough for him,” said Mourinho. “He wants more football at the highest level so we are having conversations and discussing the possibility of him staying for the second part of the season.”
Rumors are circulating that Ibra would be interested in player-coach role, similiar to how Didier Drogba was used later in his career with Chelsea. This could be the perfect enviornment for the 35-year old.
He could still have a huge impact on the team, while not suffering nearly the same work load as he was burdened with last season.
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While there may still remain unanswered questions circulating about Ibrahimovic’s future, one thing is for certain: Zlatan will always be Zlatan.