Zlatan Ibrahimovic could play for Manchester United until he is 40, his former coach has told The Sun.

Michael Andersson coached Ibrahimovic at Malmo, his first professional club, giving him his senior debut 17 years ago.

Ibrahimovic, 35, went on to play in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France and has made a blistering start to his first season in England with 19 goals for United.

Andersson said: "Zlatan's skills fit United very well. He always adapts to whatever league he is in. I don't think him playing until he's 40 is impossible.

"He has been lucky not to have any serious injuries in his career, but it's not impossible he can play for United for another three or five years."

If that happened, Ibrahimovic would become the third man to play for United in his 40s after Ryan Giggs and Edwin van der Sar.

And Anderson believes the ex-Sweden captain is motivated by being a central figure at United and the challenge of restoring them to former glories.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was named Premier League player of the month for December. Alex Livesey/Getty Images for Premier League

"Zlatan has always wanted to be the centre of attention, the central figure of a club, even from a young age," he added.

"It's his personality, the way he is. He wants the pressure. If you look over his history, he does best for clubs where he is the main man.

"It's possible United can still win the title, but it will be tough. It's the sort of challenge Zlatan loves.

"United are starting to play well and, compared to last season, they look like another team. Zlatan is responsible for that, along with Jose Mourinho.

"To win the title with United would confirm his reputation - - he's an all-time European great, plus Sweden's greatest player -- and end all arguments about him, particularly in Britain where he has had critics."

Recalling Ibrahimovic's time at Malmo, he said the striker had shown remarkable mental strength at a young age and added: "He had great belief and challenged the older players.

"He was young, strong and ambitious. Sure, he lost his temper sometimes -- but who doesn't?"