Zlatan Ibrahimovic Reportedly Could Make Manchester United Return in November

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's impressive rehabilitation from his cruciate ligament injury could reportedly see him return to action for Manchester United by early November. 

According to The Independent's Miguel Delaney, fears the injury Ibrahimovic suffered in the UEFA Europa League back in April could have ended his career proved unfounded. It is said his recovery is expected to be completed "way ahead of schedule."

Delaney added the Swedish striker has responded well to treatment and could soon be available.

United's November fixtures are against Chelsea (Nov. 5), Newcastle United (Nov. 18), Basel (Nov. 22), Brighton & Hove Albion (Nov. 25) and Watford (Nov. 28). 

With the packed Christmas period on the horizon, it would be the perfect time for Ibrahimovic to return to action and regain some sharpness.

Unlike last season, Zlatan will have to fight for his place in the United first team, as summer signing Romelu Lukaku has hit the ground running at Old Trafford, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone:

The Belgian is fast making the No. 9 spot his own under manager Jose Mourinho, but Ibrahimovic will provide ideal cover and competition for the former Everton man when he returns.

Because of his injury, United initially released the former Ajax, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star after his one-year contract with the club expired.

However, the club re-signed him on another yearlong deal in August, with Mourinho saying the 35-year-old deserved the opportunity after netting 28 goals in 46 appearances last term before picking up his injury against Anderlecht in the Europa League last eight, per BBC Sport.

Ibrahimovic's return will likely be welcomed by all involved at United, as his experience and uncanny goalscoring ability could prove invaluable as the Red Devils campaign for silverware in 2017-18.