Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be set for a coaching role at Manchester United once his playing career finishes, as The Independent understands the prospect has already been discussed in preliminary talks about a potential new contract.

The Swedish international is currently out with a serious knee injury picked up in the Europa League win over Anderlecht in April, with that his last game for the club before his last deal ran out in June.

With Ibrahimovic eager to play again, talks have been staged with United over a new contract, with Jose Mourinho also keen to keep around a player whose influence on the squad he sees as key.

Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Show all 23 1 /23 Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings <b>Manchester United:</b> David de Gea - 6/10 Rarely called into action, but was equal to the few efforts West Ham unleashed at him. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Antonio Valencia - 7/10 Pinned back early on, but made waves down the right as the game opened up. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Phil Jones - 7/10 Often moved to put his body on the line. Could still be an asset if he can stay fit. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Eric Bailly - 6/10 His determination occasionally spilt over to the kind of carelessness that saw him booked. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Daley Blind - 8/10 Impressed on the left, getting forward at will to join the attack. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Nemanja Matic - 10/10 Absolutely superb in midfield. He protected his defence, won back possession at will and begun many of United's best moves. Could he be the missing piece of Mourinho's jigsaw? Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Paul Pogba - 8/10 Strong without the ball and played some incredibly clever passes with it. Already an improvement on last season's performances. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 8/10 A creative force. He set up two goals and was unlucky not make the scoresheet himself. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Juan Mata - 7/10 Some typically smart touches in and around the box but guilty of making a couple of wrong choices. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Marcus Rashford - 8/10 Troubled Obiang with his speed down the left and was only denied a stunning goal by the inside of the post. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Romelu Lukaku - 9/10 A dream debut double for the £75m man. His pace and power were too much for the West Ham defence. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Subs: Anthony Martial - 8/10 Reminded Mourinho of his potential with a goal and an assist in the last ten minutes. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings <b>West Ham:</b> Joe Hart - 5/10 His return to Manchester proved to be a disappointment but he showed some quality in the early stages of the contest. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Pablo Zabaleta - 5/10 Another who started well, but began to look his age as the pace of United's front line ran him ragged. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Winston Reid - 6/10 Troubled by Lukaku's presence, he at least kept his individual discipline in an unruly defence. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Angelo Ogbonna - 5/10 Made some vital clearances in the first half, but wilted as West Ham lost their shape. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Arthur Masuaku - 4/10 Hung out to dry after his antics in the lead to United's second, he was unconvincing at best. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Mark Noble - 5/10 The captain had neither the strength or awareness to compete with Pogba, Matic, Mata and Mkhitaryan i midfield. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Pedro Obiang - 5/10 Caught in possession in the build-up to the opener, he never recovered to make amends. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Edimilson Fernandes - 5/10 Fired West Ham's best chance straight at De Gea and was replaced on the hour mark. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Andre Ayew - 5/10 Rarely in the game as Matic cut off the supply line to West Ham's forwards. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Marko Arnautovic - 5/10 A quiet debut, he almost stole a goal with a looping header that clipped the crossbar. Getty Manchester United vs West Ham player ratings Javier Hernández - 6/10 Eager to impress on his return to Old Trafford, he kept fighting to the end. Getty

That has also been the thinking behind a possible coaching role once the 35-year-old eventually retires, and that has already been broached in discussions. Club sources say Mourinho sees Ibrahimovic as a similar figure to Didier Drogba, who can offer the squad expertise and experience, but also serve as a bridge between manager and players.

Mourinho confirmed last week that talks had started over a new deal.

“We are discussing the possibility of him to stay with us,” the Portuguese said in Macedonia, when performing media duties for the Uefa Super Cup.

“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.