Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed the club will take up their option to extend Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract by a further 12 months, keeping him at the club until the end of next season.
Ibrahimovic, 35, joined United on an initial 12-month deal over the summer after his contract expired with Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.
The former Sweden international hit the ground running at United before enduring his longest run without a league goal in a decade, throwing doubts over whether he was cut out for the Premier League at his age.
However, Mourinho, who has a fantastic relationship with Ibrahimovic, has confirmed the iconic striker will continue playing at Old Trafford right the way through until the end of next season.
"Zlatan's situation is simple. He has one-plus-one year in the club. We are happy with him," Mourinho said ahead of Thursday's game. "We are going to execute the option of a second season.
"So in two years time he can do what he wants because he is free. In the next 18 months he is happy, committed, loving his life as a football player for United - the last big challenge of his career.
"It's perfect for him to be here 18 months and then it is his decision."
Ibrahimovic missed United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the weekend through suspension, which was arguably their best performance of the season under Mourinho, but he is expected to return to the starting XI as the vocal point of United’s attack for their must win Europa League match against Feyenoord on Thursday.
Only Sergio Aguero (8) has scored more goals without registering an assist in the Premier League this season than Ibrahimovic (6).
For more stats on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
