How Zlatan Ibrahimovic has raced back to fitness at Manchester United with astonishing speed as he closes in on comeback before the new year

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to star in at least one of Manchester United's Champions League group games as he steps up rehabilitation from the knee injury that could have ended his career.

Ibrahimovic is yet to start full contact in training but was making up the numbers in sessions with his team-mates during the recent international break.

He took part in short, sharp parts of the session for 15-20 minutes as he bid to work his way back to full fitness.  

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is focused on returning to United's starting line-up before the new year

Ibrahimovic will be all smiles when he does finally return from his severe knee injury

His return to Manchester United was confirmed when he posted a picture of himself as Jesus alongside a red devil - the nickname of the Premier League giants

Ibrahimovic's physical therapist Dario Fort (left) remains on call to help the injured striker

Fort puts his hands in the air after seeing Manchester United win the Europa League final 

The striker is on his way to completing a remarkable recovery and has been doing some light ball work at Carrington. 

He has also been strengthening his knee by doing exercises on medicine balls as well as working out in the gym and swimming pool. 

Manchester United's new No 10 has also been using elastic bands, weights and the treadmill to ensure his recovery time is rapid. 

Dario Fort, who previously worked with Ibrahimovic at Paris Saint-Germain, is still working closely with him at United's training base.

Ibrahimovic had always hoped to to make a return before new year, with Jose Mourinho adding him to both domestic and continental squads in case of that eventuality.

He is on schedule and the 36-year-old believes he can sufficiently prove his fitness to warrant inclusion in a Champions League group game.

The home fixture against CSKA Moscow on December 5 has been one match mentioned over the last few weeks but United are unwilling to put a timescale on his full return. 

Mourinho, for his part, has always stressed Ibrahimovic will be given as long as he needs.

The United boss is wary of rushing the ex-PSG man back and the form of Romelu Lukaku has made sure now further pressure is heaped on the veteran.

Ibrahimovic is said to have been a positive influence around the training ground since his return and has been a regular fixture at United's gym.

He spent much of the summer in Monaco's luxury 39 Monte Carlo facilities, with both kickboxing and taekwondo having strengthened his core knee muscles. His main concentration for now will continue being fitness work.

The Swede will wear the No 10 shirt for United after letting Romelu Lukaku wear the No 9

Ibrahimovic has been putting the hours in at the gym in order to return as soon as possible

The 36-year-old has also been strengthening his knee in water to help his recovery

Mourinho will be hoping Ibrahimovic can give his side a boost ahead of the new year

The CSKA fixture should be a dead rubber given Mourinho's side are within touching distance of qualifying for the Champions League last 16.

It would represent the perfect opportunity for Ibrahimovic to be welcomed back, sandwiched between huge Premier League games against Arsenal and Manchester City. 

Former Manchester United forward Andy Cole has been working out alongside Ibrahimovic at Aon Training Complex and has said the Swede is doing well. 

Speaking to United's website: 'He is doing very good. I had a chat with Zlatan when he was in the gym the other day. I think he is looking forward to coming back, most probably in December or January time. 

'I think he will definitely bring something to the football team, as we already know. After last season, he was fantastic. It will be nice to see him back when he returns. 

'Yeah, December or January time, of course, it is not bad! But like he keeps saying, he is not human. I love his banter and I think his enthusiasm for the game of football, and what he is around the complex, speaks volumes about him.'

Ibrahimovic posted this picture of his legs after he was told he would need surgery

The Swede was forced to limp off against Anderlecht in the Europa League in April

Andy Cole and Ibrahimovic were working together in the Manchester United's gym