Zlatan Ibrahimovic could still have a future at Manchester United, after Jose Mourinho refused to close the door on the Sweden international.
The 35-year-old forward arrived at Old Trafford last summer with some pundits questioning if he could cut it in the Premier League, but he answered his doubters with considerable ease. Ibrahimovic played 46 times in all competitions, scoring 28 goals and assisting in 10 more.
He played a key role in the Reds winning the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League, although the latter was lifted with him watching from the sidelines due to a knee injury he picked up in April. This is likely to keep him out until the New Year, casting doubts over his future.
With his contract in Manchester expired, Ibrahimovic has been released and is now a free agent as he continues his recovery. LA Galaxy have been widely linked with offering him a move to the United States, but the Swede could yet be offered the chance to continue his adventure in Manchester.
“We open our door for him to recover with us, and at the same time let’s make a decision that makes us all happy,” said Mourinho. “Why not wait for a player who gave us so much. We are changing ideas and it’s with the club and Zlatan’s agent but the final decision is the best for the player.”
A more pressing matter for Mourinho is to find the defensive midfielder he feels his side currently lack. Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic remains an option, but with the Blues smarting after United pipped them for Romelu Lukaku, Juventus are now in the driving seat for the Serbian international.
Eric Dier, the England international, is another who is thought to be near the very top of Mourinho’s wanted list. Tottenham Hotspur are reluctant to let the 24-year-old leave and have placed a £50million price tag on his head, but this is a price the Old Trafford club may yet agree to meet.
