Ibrahimovic has impressed United’s medical staff with the speed of his recovery from a serious knee injury

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to return to training next month, raising hopes that the Manchester United striker will be available for selection before the end of the year.

Ibrahimovic, 36, has impressed United’s medical staff with the speed of his recovery from the serious injury to his right knee that he suffered in the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht in April.

After rupturing his anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments it was feared that Ibrahimovic would have to retire, but after a successful operation the Swede has come through the initial stages of his recovery. He has been undertaking his rehabilitation in the United States, the gym at the exclusive Thirty Nine sports club in Monte Carlo, where membership costs £4,400 per year, and