Manchester United confirms termination of Ibrahimovic's contract

Manchester United announced Thursday the club has agreed to terminate the contract of Zlatan Ibrahimovic "with immediate effect," thanking the 36-year-old ahead of the striker's imminent move to the LA Galaxy.

"Everyone at the club would like to thank Zlatan for his contribution to the team since his arrival and wishes him well for the future," the club wrote on its official website.

Ibrahimovic made just seven appearances in 2017-18 as he battled back from a serious knee ligament injury. However, in his debut season, he made Old Trafford his own, scoring 28 times across all competitions and helping the team clinch a Europa League title for the first time in club history.

Reunited with Internazionale manager Jose Mourinho at United, Ibrahimovic was given the Portuguese tactician's blessing to complete a move to Major League Soccer earlier in the year, with Mourinho stating he and the club were "here to help" make that move possible, should Ibrahimovic desire it.

Indeed, the club's decision to immediately terminate his contract opens the door for Ibrahimovic to join the Galaxy outside the transfer window, and would therefore potentially facilitate a debut as early as the end of March, when the Galaxy takes on new local rivals Los Angeles FC.

Ibrahimovic is set to sign a two-year contract worth a total of $3 million, with the Galaxy - already boasting three designated players - using Targeted Allocation Money to complete the deal, according to Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated.

The move is expected to be officially announced Friday with a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times.