There had been talks about a 12-month extension – Ibrahimovic has enjoyed an outstanding campaign - but terms could not be agreed.

Ibrahimovic has been asking for £300,000-a-week after tax and while it is unclear whether United are prepared to pay that much – which would make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League - it is understood that his agent Mino Raiola has been in extensive talks and the finances are not a stumbling block.

Ibrahimovic enjoyed a strong relationship with Jose Mourinho – he was part of the Inter Milan side that won the Italian title in 2008-09 - who is pushing hard to become the next United manager should Louis Van Gaal leave at the end of this season.