Mourinho refuses to rule out Ibrahimovic's Man U return

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has left the door open for Zlatan Ibrahimovic's possible return to the club, saying that it is entirely up to the striker to decide his future at Old Trafford.

The 35-year-old left United after the expiry of his one-year contract, but the Portuguese manager has now hinted that Ibrahimovic could be offered a new contract.

"Possibly, it's open. Of course we wanted to be honest and open and leave everything for him to make the decision," goal.com quoted Mourinho, as saying.

Ibrahimovic, who joined United last summer from Paris Saint-Germain, has notched up 28 goals in 46 appearances he made for the Jose Mourinho-led side so far.

However, a serious knee injury, which he sustained during the final seconds of United's 2-1 win over Anderlecht in the first leg of their Europa League clash at Old Trafford in April, ruled the veteran Swede out for the remainder of the season.

"At the same time, let's make a decision that makes us all happy and if that is for him to stay and for us to wait - let's say in December maybe, because I don't think before December he can get back to competitive football - but why not wait for a player who gave us so much?," Mourinho said.

The 54-year-old insisted that the discussion is going on between executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Zlatan's agent Mino Raiola, adding that the decision would be taken in the best interest of the player.

"We are changing ideas and it's with Mr [chief executive Ed] Woodward and Zlatan's agent [Mino Raiola], but the final decision is the best for the player," the manager said.

Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic, who continues his recovery following a knee surgery, has also been linked with a probable move to LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC.