Manchester United have released Zlatan Ibrahimovic after announcing their retained list.

The Swedish striker suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo and is expected to be out of action until the start of 2018.

And while he will be allowed to train with the club as he recovers from the injury, United have decided against handing him a new deal, given he will be absent for most of next season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been released by Manchester United after the end of his contract

Ibrahimovic enjoyed a successful season in which he won the League Cup and Europa League

IBRAHIMOVIC AT MANCHESTER UNITED Appearances: 28 Goals: 17 Assists: 5 Trophies: 2 (EFL Cup, Europa League) Advertisement

United sought to ensure that the release of Ibrahimovic would be as friendly as possible, given he is a well respected figure in the dressing room.

But the injury and his wages, which includes a basic £367,640-a-week, mean he has not been handed a new deal.

Ibrahimovic has been training alongside physio Dario Fort, a close friend, at Carrington, despite the rest of the squad departing for their summer break or international games.

Swedish striker Ibrahimovic suffered a cruciate ligament injury towards the end of last season

The 35-year-old expects to continue training at United's base beyond July, which is when the contract he signed last summer expires, and at least until he finishes his rehabilitation.

Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals before he was struck down with injury last season, helping United win the Europa League and the League Cup.

He joined the rest of the squad in Stockholm when they beat Ajax to win the European competition last month.