Jose Mourinho believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be at Manchester United next season – and sees him as crucial to their continued revival.

Ibrahimovic has the option to extend his contract with United by another year, but has yet to commit himself to the Reds for another season.

Although Ibrahimovic is 35, he has already scored 26 goals and Mourinho believes he can help United’s group of rising stars become world-class talents under his guidance.

“I see Zlatan staying with us because that was the initial agreement – for him to come for one year plus us to have the option for a second,” said Mourinho.

Ibrahimovic scored twice at Wembley last weekend (
Image:
PA)

“So I see him staying. This team has a lot to grow up, and the next transfer window will bring the team to a different level, because we’re going to try and bring a few players.

“So I think Zlatan will be fundamental in the second year of this team and I think he’s willing to stay.

“My feeling is that he’s really proud of himself, he’s happy with the success of his situation, so I see him staying.”

Mourinho feels youngsters like Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw can take their game to a new level by continuing to work alongside Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic is renowned for his discipline and professionalism, particularly with regard to his fitness, a trait Mourinho is hoping will rub off on his younger players, especially Shaw.

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Shaw, 21, has played just once since November 30, with Mourinho claiming he can be United’s first-choice left-back – if he understands the importance of hard graft and staying in peak physical condition.

“By age, by physicality, by intensity, aggressive going forward, he should be the best,” said Mourinho.

“But to be the best you need to work hard. It’s what he’s trying to do.

“In practical terms we have lots of left-backs - Luke, Daley Blind, Marcus Rojo and Matteo Darmian are playing there and can all play there.

“The one that should be - in a couple of years - best of all, because potentially he should have all the conditions to be the best of all, is Luke.

“Luke is working hard, he’s trying to improve and he’s improved by the physical point of view, by good dedication and specific work.

Mourinho wants Zlatan to come back next year (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

“Now he needs some opportunities to feel alive and he needs minutes on the pitch.”

United could end up playing 67 games this season if they manage to go all the way in the FA Cup and Europa League, with Mourinho wanting a clear summer for his players to have a total break.

One player who may not have such a break is Rashford, who could end up being selected for England Under-21s at this summer’s European Championships, something Mourinho wants to avoid.

While Mourinho acknowledged playing in such a tournament could benefit Rashford in terms of experience, the United boss knows the 19-year-old forward needs a break over the summer.

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“I know that if the team goes until the end in different competitions, every one of my players should finish the last game and disappear to some place where he could rest for a month and not think about football.

“Don’t move one leg, just move the arm to get the glass. Disconnect totally.

“He’s a young guy, but maybe every experience - if he’s not exhausted - can help him to be a better player. Let’s wait and analyse the situation when that comes.”

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