Zlatan Ibrahimovic's time at Old Trafford looks likely to last no longer than a single season.
Sky Sports reported on Thursday afternoon that Man Utd are unlikely to offer the Swede a new deal at the club.
Ibrahimovic signed just last season on a one-year deal. A prolific season which saw him score 28 goals in all competitions was cut short in April when he suffered a knee injury during a Europa League game against Anderlecht.
Prior to suffering that injury, it had been expected that he would stay at the club for at least another season. The combination of the 35-year-old and Old Trafford were a potent mix.
BREAKING: Manchester United unlikely to offer Zlatan Ibrahimovic a new contract at Old Trafford, according to Sky sources. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/eeQC3jzq1x
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 8, 2017
Exactly how long the injury will keep him out of action is uncertain. Ibrahimovic underwent surgery last month. His time out could be anywhere between six and 12 months.
Last week, it was reported that Man Utd had charged their transfer priorities for the summer. Antoine Griezmann had been expected to be their big signing. However, they apparently felt a replacement for Ibrahimovic should be their number one target.
Ibrahimovic's astronomic wages are likely to be a major factor in Man Utd's decision. According to a book released in Germany last month titled 'Football Leaks: The Dirty Business of Football', Ibrahimovic was earning an eye-watering £367,640 a week at the club. That's £19 million per season, a figure which does not include his goals bonus of £2.86 million.
Whether or not Ibrahimovic will remain at Old Trafford should be confirmed tomorrow when Man Utd releases its list of released and retained players for next season.
