Zlatan Ibrahimovic Released by Manchester United After 1 Season with Club

Manchester United have released Zlatan Ibrahimovic after one year at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils announced the Swede would not be extending his stay by another season on Friday after he did not appear on the Premier League's list of retained players for the club.

The striker joined United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, where he signed a one-year deal with the option of staying for a further season.

Ibrahimovic's campaign was cut short in April when he suffered a cruciate ligament injury that is expected to keep him out of action for around eight months.

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That's according to the Times' Paul Hirst and Matt Hughes, who reported the forward may still remain at Old Trafford to continue his rehabilitation despite no longer playing for the club. Rob Dawson of ESPN added Ibrahimovic is not ruling out a return to the club once he's healthy but has "no plans at the moment."

The 35-year-old put in some occasionally inconsistent performances, and he missed 18 "big chances," more than any other player, according to the Premier League's official website.

Nevertheless, he wasted no time in establishing himself as a key figure in the side, and he still racked up 28 goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances to help United win the UEFA Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield.

His injury aside, his year with United represents a highly successful one given the silverware he added to his collection and the way in which he defied his critics with an outstanding goal return.

His fitness may hinder his chances of finding another club this summer, but he could well be snapped up as a free agent once he's recovered.

As for United, they would still have had to make strides to replace him because of his injury anyway, but that need is now more pressing without the option of having him back midway through the upcoming season.

Ibrahimovic was only ever a top-quality stopgap solution to their problems up front, so the club must now recruit firepower that can take them forward long term.