Report: Ibrahimovic expected to sign new United deal this week

Manchester United foresees Zlatan Ibrahimovic signing a new contract as early as this week, sources told ESPN FC's Andy Mitten, following the Swede's impressive rehabilitation from a devastating knee injury.

The Red Devils decided not to extend Ibrahimovic's initial deal at the end of the 2016-17 season, but manager Jose Mourinho maintained hope the 35-year-old would return to the club.

Ibrahimovic, who's trained at United's training facility in Carrington in the time since, shocked observers with the pace of his recovery. Although many believed he'd return next year, the former Paris Saint-Germain striker may now be back in time for the Premier League's busy festive period.

Ibrahimovic wouldn't make nearly as much as the reported £367,000 a week he earned last season, according to Mitten, and it remains to be seen how much playing time he'd get. Romelu Lukaku has made an immediate impact following his big-money move from Everton, and a combination of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial has proved useful.

AC Milan and the LA Galaxy reportedly expressed interest in signing Ibrahimovic this summer, but Mourinho hinted in July that the big striker had unfinished business in the Premier League.

"He didn't want to hide behind an amazing injury. That would be easy. He was not happy in the way he finished the season," the Portuguese said. "He made the challenge for himself to want to keep playing at the highest level."

Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals across all competitions last season before tearing his ACL in the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Anderlecht.