Manchester United confirm re-signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic as striker fires warning to Premier League title rivals: 'I am back to finish what I started'

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Manchester United have confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has rejoined the club, less than three months after his departure from Old Trafford.

The Swedish striker made 46 appearances and scored 28 goals for the club during the 2016-17 campaign before suffering a knee injury, which ended his season prematurely. 

In a short statement, the club wrote: 'Manchester United is delighted to announce that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will continue his journey with the club and has signed a one-year contract. He will wear the No 10 shirt.' 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic posted this picture on his Twitter account to confirm his return to the club

Ibrahimovic's return to Manchester United is a surprise to no one at Old Trafford

The 35-year-old puts on the Manchester United shirt in his gym as his return is confirmed

Ibrahimovic is poised to make his second debut for the club before the New Year after injury

The Swede will wear the No 10- shirt after it was vacated by Wayne Rooney following his exit

The 35-year-old was filmed in a short video posted on the club's Twitter page putting on the United shirt complete with his new No 10 as he walked menacingly past a punching bag.

Ibrahimovic, who has won championships in four different leagues since beginning his professional career with Malmo in 1999, said: 'I am back to finish what I started. 

'It was always mine and the club's intention for me to stay. I cannot wait to get back out on that Old Trafford pitch, but I also know that I have to take my time to make sure that I am ready. 

'I have been working hard and will continue to do so to make sure I am in the best possible condition for my return to the pitch.' 

The former Sweden international has been training at Carrington following his serious injury

The former Inter Milan and Barcelona forward models United's training kit at his unveiling

Damaging his knee ligaments against Anderlecht, Ibrahimovic's season was instantly cut short

Jose Mourinho was impressed by Ibrahimovic's impact before his injury curtailed his season

Ibrahimovic was expected to be sidelined for nine months after falling awkwardly during United's Europa League victory over Anderlecht, but the Swede aims to pull on a United shirt before the New Year.

The former Inter Milan and Barcelona striker announced his return with typical bravado, posting an image of him draped in a white cloth shaking hands with a red devil.

'I united it,' reads his short message to his fans in true understated fashion, and United manager Jose Mourinho hopes the striker's winning mentality will bring about more silverware in his second season at the club.

Mourinho said: 'We are delighted Zlatan is on the road to recovery and we are equally delighted to have his ambition and experience back with us. 

'After his contribution last season he deserves our trust and we will be patient waiting for him to return. I have no doubt that he will be important in the second part of the season.' 

Ibrahimovic will wear the No 10 shirt after Romelu Lukaku took his No 9 from last season

Ibrahimovic won the EFL Cup last season as one of two major trophies in his first campaign

Ibrahimovic dived straight back into action and recently pounded the kick bag in training

Ibrahimovic will open up endless possibilities for Mourinho, the sort of which he just didn't have in his first season. 

Options are available to the manager now, in stark contract to Ibrahimovic almost solely bearing the weight of goals last season. His record was superb, finishing on 28, but the missed chances in big moments during games they did not win showed even he could not do it on his own.

So with Romelu Lukaku, already on four since the switch from Everton, there is a very real alternative. Lukaku will obviously continue to be Mourinho's main man, which is something Ibrahimovic accepts and indicates the changing of the guard.

But it also gives United more ways of playing, especially when Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are added into the mix.