Report: Zlatan keen on rejoining United, sides working toward deal

Manchester United could be set for a massive mid-season boost with the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic, who has been out since rupturing a cruciate ligament against Anderlecht in April, is eager to return to Old Trafford, with the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano and Marcus Christenson reporting that the towering Swedish striker and the club are hoping to agree on a short-term deal.

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho hinted after Tuesday's Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid that Ibrahimovic could return to the club, saying, "Maybe he'll stay with us.

"He's not got a contract, but he's still close to Manchester, and the fact we are involved in the Super Cup now is also his merit."

Should Ibrahimovic play again in a United strip, it would significantly augment Mourinho's attack on the heels of a blockbuster move for Romelu Lukaku. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are expected to provide cover for the robust Belgian, though the young pair scored just nine league goals between them last year in 57 total appearances, highlighting the need for reinforcements.

That's where Ibrahimovic comes in, and, if last season was any indication, the 35-year-old still has plenty of magic left in those goal-scoring boots. His 28 goals in all competitions led the club, and with United set to kick-off a campaign on four fronts - including a return to the Champions League - Mourinho's charges could afford the gift of additional depth.

Boosted by the additions of Victor Lindelof, Nemanja Matic, and Lukaku, United has become a fashionable pick to end its four-year drought of Premier League hardware this season, which for Mourinho and Co. starts with Sunday's visit from West Ham.