Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to return to action earlier than first thought, in October, despite initially being ruled out until the New Year, and will supposedly sign a new deal at Manchester United upon his recovery, according to a report published by The Sun.

The Swedish international striker suffered serious knee ligament damage in United's Europa League victory over RSC Anderlecht in April, although it's been said that the hitman is making a speedy recovery.

After being released by the Red Devils earlier this month it appeared that the 35-year-old's career was over at Old Trafford when the club rejected to activate the option to continue his two-year deal.

Although he is no longer on United's books, 'Ibra' opted to stay in Cheshire to continue his recovery, using Carrington as the HUB for his fitness regime.

The attacker employs his very own full-time physio to work alongside United's medical staff, who are allegedly amazed with the progress to which Ibrahimovic has made since he was severely sidelined at the back-end of last season.

With United signing Romelu Lukaku from Everton, Ibrahimovic is said to be eager to get back on the pitch as soon as possible in order to rival the Belgian for the starting role up top in Jose Mourinho's squad.

It's been said that contractual offers have arisen from parties in China, Major League Soccer and also the Premier League since he was initially let go by the Europa League holders.

But with the Theatre of Dreams being the fundamental destination of choice for Ibrahimovic, the 'Special One' appears to be ready to offer United's top-scorer of last season a renewed deal - once he's firing on all cylinders again, that is.

Great news.