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Manchester United In Talks With Influential £19.11m Striker For A More Prominent Role

Paul Pogba (left) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right)

Paul Pogba (left) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (right)

Manchester United are considering a coaching role offer for Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a part of his new deal which will see him re-signing for the club once he recovers completely from his knee injury, as per reports from IBTimes.

After having a stellar debut season in England, the former Swedish international took no time in establishing himself as an utter crowd favourite. An unfortunate injury against Anderlecht back in April, however, saw him miss the rest of the season and further reports confirmed his absence for the first half of the new campaign.  have given Ibrahimovic the least likely odds of returning to action unless it is for a coaching role.

Following this, the Red Devils – who signed Ibrahimovic on a one-year contract with an option to extend it for another year – decided not to activate the clause, and the Swede was released. However, he has been provided all the facilities at United’s Carrington training complex to undergo his rehabilitation and mark his return before the schedule.

Jose Mourinho, speaking of Ibrahimovic’s return to the club, has already quoted that United are already in talks.

“Maybe he’s with us. He has no contract, but he is closer to Manchester,” Mourinho said, as quoted by Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset. “If we’re here to play the Supercoppa it is also his merit.”

Despite Manchester United’s strong interest, a number of other clubs, including MLS outfit LA Galaxy and Italy’s AC Milan have shown interest. Speaking of the Swede’s possibility of joining, AC Milan’s sporting director Massimo Mirabelli was quoted by the Sun as saying,

“Ibrahimovic? In life, never say never. Maybe an old acquaintance of ours could come back.”

Now, Independent quotes that Mourinho sees Ibrahimovic as a hugely influential figure and that he doesn’t want any short term commitments with the Swede. The Portuguese believes Ibrahimovic’s world-class experience will help United’s young prodigies to a great extent.

Having said that, United are ready to open talks with the 35-year-old – who earned a massive £19.11m last season, including the goal bonuses (according to Football Leaks: The Dirty Business of Football) – are discussing the possibility of handing him a coaching role once he decides to hang up his boots. It will now be interesting to see what deal gets compromised between the two parties.

Written by Patrick Rees

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