Walking it off: Zlatan Ibrahimovic tore both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee on Thursday night

Manchester United fear that the career of Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be over after their star striker suffered “significant knee ligament damage” during last Thursday’s Europa League game with Anderlecht. Old Trafford sources have indicated that the physical damage — he tore both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of his right knee — raises fears that the 35-year-old will have to retire from football.

Medical examinations on Friday confirmed the double rupture — an extremely rare injury for a player of his age. The predicted recovery period is nine months to a year, but experts within the club believe that even if his reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation work go to plan “he will not play again at this level”.

“With a double cruciate rupture it