Jose Mourinho reveals Zlatan Ibrahimovic could still be offered Man United contract

The 35-year-old was Manchester United’s top scorer last term, grabbing 28 goals in all competitions before his season was brought to an abrupt end due a knee injury sustained in April.

Prior to the injury, it was rumoured Ibrahimovic was to extend his United deal a further 12 months, but the damage to his cruciate ligament was significant enough that it was thought he wouldn’t play for the club again.

It was revealed that the Swede would continue using United’s Carrington Training Complex for his rehabilitation, but the possibility of him running out at Old Trafford once again seemed doubtful.

However, news earlier this week suggested that the former Barcelona, Juventus, Inter, Milan and PSG striker was recovering at an impressive rate and could be back ahead of schedule.

The club are on their pre-season tour of America while the striker remains in England, but United boss Mourinho has since shed light on Ibrahimovic’s current situation.

"It's possible. He is open. We wanted to be honest and open and give everything for him to make a decision, in case his desire was to leave.

"So there was not a new contract, there was a space and time to think, feel, decide and, from his point of view, he wants to play still at the highest level.

"He didn't want to hide behind such an amazing injury. He was not happy with the way he finished the season, of course with his first European trophy, but not playing. So he wants to challenge himself and keep playing still at the highest level.

"Obviously we leave the door open for him to recover with us. Old Trafford, Carrington is open for him to recover and be one of us and, at the same time, let's make a decision that will make us all happy.”