Jose Mourinho wants Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Manchester United coach

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho reportedly wants Zlatan Ibrahimovic to return to the club as a coach.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic GETTY

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is currently in talks with Manchester United over a new contract

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is currently continuing his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury with Manchester United, despite being a free agent.

The Red Devils chose not to activate the additional year in his contract after he picked up the long-term injury in last season's Europa League.

However, The Independent claim the Swede is currently in talks with the Old Trafford club about a new deal.

And Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to see the striker stay at United beyond his retirement in a coaching role.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Jose MourinhoGETTY

Jose Mourinho wants Zlatan Ibrahimovic to become a coach at Manchester United

'No time to rest': Ibrahimovich's intensive workout

The report says Mourinho sees Ibrahimovic as a similar figure to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.

And he thinks the Swede can offer the squad experience, while also serving as a bridge between the players and coaching staff.

Speaking last week about the 35-year-old's future, Mourinho said: “We are discussing the possibility of him to stay with us.

“It was very clear from him that what he did last year was not enough for him.

"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, he needs time to recover, and is not ready to play tomorrow. 

"It’s not something that’s urgent, it’s not desperate to have it done or not.”

Ibrahimovic made a huge impact at United last season and finished the club's top-scorer, bagging 28 goals in all competitions.

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