Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Top Rumours

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will reportedly be offered a second year at Manchester United, according to manager Jose Mourinho. The United boss has confirmed the Red Devils will exercise the option to keep the veteran Swedish striker for another season.

Mourinho spelled out United's intentions regarding 35-year-old Ibrahimovic, per BBC Sport: "We are going to execute the option of a second season. After that, he can do what he wants."

The same source carried a quote from Ibrahimovic indicating he feels strong enough for another campaign in England's top flight: "I feel in shape, feel fresh and good. If I feel like I do now, it will be a second year."

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The experienced goalscorer has shown moments of outstanding quality during his maiden season in the rough and tumble of the Premier League. Ibrahimovic made a fast start to life with United, en route to bagging eight goals and an assist in all competitions, according to WhoScored.com.

However, the former Paris Saint-Germain attacker has also looked a little out of sorts recently. He's been guilty of a few costly misses in key matches, including the 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield in October.

Some United supporters were critical of the striker on social media after the Red Devils were beaten 4-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month, per Jack Watts of the Daily Star.

He also reportedly received more criticism after appearing to snub United's away support following a UEFA Europa League defeat in Turkey against Fenerbahce, according to Metro's Chris Davie.

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Former United striker Michael Owen, speaking as a pundit on BT Sport (h/t MailOnline's Tom Bassam), declared Ibrahimovic only a short-term option: "Jose Mourinho didn't think the current crop were ready [when he arrived]. Rashford: not ready; Wayne Rooney: probably saw him as a No. 10; Martial: didn't see him as a striker. So [Zlatan] is a stopgap."

Of course, United shouldn't plan for much of a future with Ibrahimovic. Yet if Mourinho could settle on a younger, marquee forward to lead the line next season, then Ibrahimovic would be a terrific option off the bench.

He could operate in a similar role to the one a veteran Didier Drogba performed for Mourinho's title-winning Chelsea side during the 2014/15 campaign.

Mourinho's rebuild at United is far from complete, so keeping Ibrahimovic around for another season makes some sense.

Ibrahimovic Talks Up United Defensive Target

He's not only seemingly set to stay at Old Trafford, but Ibrahimovic is also talking up potential United transfer targets. The player in question is Benfica's Swedish international defender Victor Lindelof.

Ibrahimovic has been espousing the virtues of the rugged 22-year-old, per Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News: "Is he good enough for United? I think he’s good enough for the big clubs out there. It’s up to him what he wants and what the situation says. Whatever he chooses will be good for him."

United are reportedly already keen on the Benfica defensive linchpin. In fact, Portuguese publication Record (h/t Ciaran Kelly of the Manchester Evening News) recently reported United had scouts in attendance to watch the player, who could cost as much as £25 million, during Benfica's 6-0 league win over Maritimo.

Mourinho is said to be keen to add defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window. The Daily Mirror's David McDonnell has reported how the United boss lacks confidence in many of his current options, particularly Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling.

Tough, versatile and resourceful, centre-back Lindelof is a rising star at his position. So he makes sense as a target for Mourinho's continuing rebuild.

It's a process seemingly set to include Ibrahimovic for a little longer.