Zlatan Ibrahimovic could make a shock return to Manchester United this season, according to reports in Italy.

The striker is expected to leave LA Galaxy in the coming weeks after his side were beaten in the MLS playoffs by Los Angeles FC.

Last week, the Swede teased a return to Spain by posting the message 'Hola Espana, guess what? I'm coming back' on his social media.

But that appears to have been a marketing stunt and according to TuttoMercatoWeb, Ibrahimovic could be on his way back to Old Trafford instead.

The Italian outlet reports that 'contact' has been made between the club and the player, which may see him return to United.

That's certainly exciting for supporters, given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a little short on attacking options.

He currently has just three strikers at his disposal, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.

They are all still very young, so bringing in someone like Ibrahimovic would give Solskjaer a more experienced option.

The 38-year-old has already proved he can handle English football and impressed during the 2016-17 season he spent at Old Trafford, scoring 28 goals in 46 games.

In fact, former United midfielder Paul Ince believes that bringing back Ibrahimovic would be a very good idea.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic seemed to tease going back to Spain, then he's been linked with staying in the MLS, and even Perth Glory," he told Paddy Power, per the Manchester Evening News.

"But I think, if he wanted to, returning to Old Trafford would be the way to go.

"He'd be great at educating all of these young players that Ole is looking to bring through, an incredible off-pitch influence as well as on the field.

"They need someone who can control the changing room and be a true leader, and he fits that role.

"He can show the young players how it's done. He would be the Godfather of United 's dressing room."

Ibrahimovic has a fair amount of time to decide his future and a return to Old Trafford could be very appealing to him, but only time will tell where he's playing football next year.

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