Zlatan Ibrahimovic has told staff at Manchester United that he hopes to be fit by November, which could open the door for a short-term deal, reports the Daily Star.

What's the word?

The Red Devils released Ibrahimovic from the club at the end of the season due to a knee injury that was expected to keep him out of action for around nine months.

Despite not including him in their retained list for the upcoming campaign, United have allowed the Swede to continue his rehabilitation at their Carrington training base.

According to the Daily Star, while at one of the club's training grounds on Tuesday with his sons Maximillian and Vincent, Ibrahimovic told staff at Littleton Road in Salford that he expects to be fit in five months' time.

Could he earn a new deal?

If the forward, who will turn 36 in October, has completely recovered and is happy to stay at Old Trafford then United should consider handing him a short-term contract.

Ibrahimovic was struck down with the injury in the closing stages of last season, but he still ended the campaign as the club's top scorer with 28 goals in all competitions.

Depending on who Jose Mourinho brings in during the transfer window in terms of attacking positions, Ibrahimovic could be an influential figure off the bench.

The only question, though, is if the ex-Barcelona man will be satisfied with a bit-part role.

Ibrahimovic made it clear after his injury that he has no intention of retiring, so perhaps the forward wants one final challenge elsewhere.

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