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LONDON. — Manchester United expect Zlatan Ibrahimovic to sign a new contract to stay at Old Trafford as early as this week, sources have told ESPN. Free agent Ibrahimovic (35) is recovering from a knee ligament injury sustained in a Europa League match against Anderlecht in April which was expected to keep him out until 2018.

The new contract will be announced earlier than anticipated due to the former Sweden international’s quick recovery.

From the moment he suffered his injury against Anderlecht, it was established that Ibrahimovic would do his rehabilitation at United’s AON Training Centre, even though he was due to be out of contract in June.

United boss Jose Mourinho has wanted him to sign a contract to stay at the club all along. The pair get on well and Mourinho was hugely impressed not only by Ibrahimovic’s 28 goals in his first season, but his influence in a dressing room lacking big characters. — ESPN.