Manchester United in talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Jose Mourinho reveals club are considering re-signing striker

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has opened talks with Manchester United over a dramatic return to the club in 2018, Jose Mourinho confirmed on Friday.

Ibrahimovic's Old Trafford career appeared to be over after his first season in England was cut short by a cruciate ligament injury in April and United decided not to extend the 35-year-old striker's contract.

However, Mourinho has hinted in recent weeks at a possible comeback for Ibrahimovic in January, and confirmed on the eve of the new season that discussions have begun with the player and his agent Mino Raiola. 

Man United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that the club and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are in talks

Mourinho told the media on Friday that Ibrahimovic could sign a new contract once he is fit

Ibrahimovic was an instant hit at Old Trafford last season after joining United on a free transfer

'It was very clear by showing what he did, last year was not enough for him,' said Mourinho, ahead of Sunday's opening game at home to West Ham.

'He wants more football at the highest level, so we are having conversations and discussing the possibility of him staying for the second part of the season.

'He is injured and he needs time to recover. He is not ready to play tomorrow. It's not something that's urgent, it's not desperate to have it done or not.'

Despite spending £75million on Romelu Lukaku this summer, United still believe there is a place in the squad for Ibrahimovic, who scored 28 goals in all competitions before suffering the serious knee injury in the Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht.

They have allowed the Swedish star to continue his rehabilitation at Carrington beyond the end of his contract on June 30 and been impressed by his rate of recovery. 

The Swedish striker bagged an impressive 28 goals, including 17 in 28 Premier League games

The club's medical staff will continue to monitor his progress before any new contract offer is made to a player who was the Premier League's highest-paid player on £367,000-a-week last season.

AC Milan are also interested in signing Ibrahimovic who has rejected offers to wind down his career in Major League Soccer and China.

But it's understood that the striker believes he has unfinished business at United and has been encouraged by the club's goodwill towards him.

Mourinho admitted on Friday that the long-term injuries suffered by Ibrahimovic, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young mean that United start the new season in a 'similar situation' to the last one despite spending £146m on Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof.

But his debut United season was cut short by a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered in April

But Mourinho has a remarkable record of winning the title in his second season at every club he has coached – FC Porto, Chelsea (twice), Inter Milan and Real Madrid – and believes United are better equipped to challenge this season as he looks to continue that sequence.

'It's not because I have always done it that I am going to do it,' he said. 'There's no relation between others or a guarantee because I always do it.

'But I just think naturally a manager in the second season knows the club and players better.

'We are just in a position to do quality work better than in the first season. It's not just hope, it's a conviction that the quality of the team will be better. 

His injury prevented him renewing his contract, but he may yet play for the Red Devils again

'I don't feel more or less pressure than last season. We have to put ourselves in a position in the Premier League that allows us to fight for the title. If not, finish in the top four.

'I think everyone – the top seven – are all in Europe. Last season two (Chelsea and Liverpool) were not. This time we are all in the same basket, and it will be the same for everybody.'

Mourinho still hopes to sign a wide player before the transfer window closes after landing three of his four targets so far.

But he added: 'I understand the reality of the market, of the numbers and that my club, by doing 75 per cent of what I initially asked, did very well.

'I don't think I am in a position of moaning, crying, contesting or to say I am not happy with it.'