Is there any chance of Ibrahimovic staying at United?

It seems very unlikely. The Swedish star was a smash hit in England and would have improved his record of 28 goals had he not suffered the knee injury against Anderlecht in April.

But United simply couldn’t commit themselves to a contract extension for a player who earns £368,000 a week before bonuses and might not be fit again until mid-season.

Ibrahimovic had a hugely positive impact on United but there were also concerns that his presence encouraged the team to play in a slower, more predictable way. It was only after his injury that we saw the best of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and, to an extent, Antony Martial.

Ibrahimovic remains on good terms with United and the club are allowing him to continue his rehabilitation at Carrington, but he was left off the retained list earlier this month and is looking for another team.

In the unlikely event that doesn’t happen and he returns to full fitness sooner than expected, then who knows? But it would be a big surprise if Zlatan played for United again.