Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be returning for Manchester United sooner than expected

It's almost time.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's long-awaited return for Manchester United may take place a lot sooner than initially predicted. It's been 147 days since Ibrahimovic took to the pitch for the Red Devils but his recovery from the knee ligament damage he picked up during the Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht at Old Trafford has been going remarkably well. Having been released by United at the end of last season, the centre-forward was re-signed by manager Jose Mourinho last month and included in his Champions League squad for the season. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYyePL3gY0G/?hl=en&taken-by=iamzlatanibrahimovic It was suggested, however, that we wouldn't see Ibrahimovic back in action before Christmas as the club attempted to avoid rushing the 35-year-old back. But the latest report, from the Independent, claims that Ibrahimovic could be available for selection as early as November due to the remarkable progress that he's made in the gym and treatment room. The Sweden legend will wear the No. 10 shirt for United this season, as the No. 9 he sported in the last campaign has been taken over by summer signing Romelu Lukaku. "I think we need him," Mourinho said of Ibrahimovic earlier this week. "We wait for him, but with patience. He has to be patient. https://www.instagram.com/p/BYvfGAIADx3/?hl=en&taken-by=iamzlatanibrahimovic "He doesn't have to be emotional and he doesn't have to try to make crazy things to improve quicker in his mind. "Because I know that his desire is to improve quicker. So calm – step by step. "We want him, but we want him in his best condition."