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VIC DITCHES BADGES

Zlatan Ibrahimovic puts coaching badges on hold to focus on Manchester United return after horror ACL injury

The 35-year-old signed one-year deal with Red Devils last month as he makes comeback from knee injury

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has put his coaching badges on hold to focus on his stunning Manchester United return.

The 35-year-old signed a surprise one-year deal with the Red Devils last month as he makes his comeback from a horror knee injury.

 Zlatan Ibrahimovic has put his coashing badges on the back-burner to focus on his Mnachester United return
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has put his coashing badges on the back-burner to focus on his Mnachester United returnCredit: AFP or licensors
 Jose Mourinho believes the Swedish legend will be back in January at the very latest
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Jose Mourinho believes the Swedish legend will be back in January at the very latestCredit: PA:Press Association

He is expected to return around Christmas time to help Jose Mourinho's side's charge towards the Premier League title.

The Swedish legend had been taking his badges for a career in coaching as he nears the later stages of his time on the field.

But the ex-PSG superstar has put them on the back-burner to focus on recovering from his ACL injury, which has kept him out since last season.

An Old Trafford source said: "Zlatan had been doing a bit with his badges while he made his comeback from injury.

"The club have indicated there could be a role for him here at some point. He isn't getting any younger after all.

"He has a lot of belief in himself though and thinks he could play until he is 40, so will take his time with his licences."

Ibrahimovic stunned medics with his fast-track injury recovering, and worked hard over the summer at United's Carrington training ground.

He has been a huge help in the dressing room, guiding the younger players such as Marcus Rashford with their shooting technique.

Meanwhile, United chief Mourinho will sit down with Ashley Young shortly to thrash out his future.

The 32-year-old wants to stay at Old Trafford and to activate a one-year extension clause in his contract.

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