3 ways Manchester United can line up with Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan

It's "Zlatan Time" at Old Trafford.

Manchester United confirmed Friday what the football world had long known, announcing the signing of the mercurial Swedish striker on a free transfer.

Related: Manchester United confirms signing of Ibrahimovic on free transfer

With Ibrahimovic in tow and Henrikh Mkhitaryan's opulent move all but complete, new bench boss Jose Mourinho's rebuild of a downtrodden Red Devils side is well underway.

But how will he line up his rapidly growing group of high-priced talent? Here are three possibilities with Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan in the fold.

4-2-3-1: All the big names

Mourinho's preferred formation seems like a good place to start.

Ibrahimovic instantly becomes the club's first-choice striker. The majestic Swede isn't coming to Old Trafford to sit on the bench. As such, you can write his name in permanent marker on the team sheet.

Though Memphis Depay struggled during his first season with the Red Devils, he offers trickery that could prove vital for a United side that will have too much talent for opposing teams to center their defensive game plans around one star. As such, there should be plenty of opportunities for the two wingers - Anthony Martial would seem a lock to be in the XI - to get isolated in dangerous one-on-one situations.

It's possible Mourinho could utilise Wayne Rooney in the No. 10 role, though the Englishman's declining skills and lack of pace make it unlikely he'll be selected in such a role; the polarising bench boss has always favoured dynamic attackers in that position who can either slice open the defence with a perfect pass (Wesley Sneijder, Mesut Ozil) or act as a mobile playmaker who can contribute defensively (Oscar). Rooney is neither, and thus, his inclusion would seem a strictly sentimental one.

4-3-3: Mkhitaryan out wide

Mkhitaryan, who is on the verge of a £30-million move to the club, is versatile enough to offer Mourinho multiple options in attack, and that could see the Portuguese gaffer return to a formation he used almost exclusively during his time at Real Madrid.

Related: Dortmund to decide on United's £30M bid for Mkhitaryan this weekend

The Armenian international scored 18 goals and provided 20 assists in all competitions with Borussia Dortmund last season, playing predominantly on the right side of the pitch for Thomas Tuchel. His ability to weave magic on the wing or cut inside and combine with his fellow attackers will make Mkhitaryan a nightmare for Premier League defenders.

In a 4-3-3 formation, both the 27-year-old and Martial have the freedom to either remain out wide or tuck inside, depending on where they feel they can best find dead spots in the opposition coverage. It also gives Ibrahimovic the reins to hang up high or drop deeper and collect the ball, knowing that he'll have runners on either side offering attacking outlets.

One thing is for certain: Zlatan thrived in this system during his goal-laden time in France.

4-4-2: Going back to the diamond

The last option of the three seems the most unlikely.

That said, a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield - or, for that matter, a 4-3-1-2 - would accomplish the important goal of playing all three of the club's marquee attackers in their best positions.

It would also, however, rob Mourinho of something he's always valued: dynamic wingers who can widen the pitch. Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian could provide width and attacking impetus from their respective full-back spots, but it seems unlikely that Mourinho would opt for such a narrow system.