Mourinho said he is “really happy” that Ibrahimovic re-signed for United on a one-year deal

José Mourinho felt Manchester United had a moral duty to give a new contract to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is expected to return to full fitness in January.

Ibrahimovic, 35, signed a one-year contract yesterday despite being out with cruciate knee ligament damage which he suffered in United’s Europa League quarter-final match against Anderlecht in April.

Mourinho, the United manager, revealed today that he will include the Swede in his squad for the Champions League group stages, although he accepts the striker is unlikely to be ready to play before January.

But given Ibrahimovic’s considerable efforts for United last season, when he scored 28 goals in 46 matches, Mourinho felt the club had no option but to hand the player a new contract.

“I am really