Is It Time for Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Hollywood Ending?
It was supposed to be the miracle comeback that proved Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic was not like other footballers.
When he returned from a serious cruciate knee ligament injury against Newcastle United almost three months ago, the Swedish icon appeared to be disproving anyone who said the countdown towards his retirement had begun.
It was expected that he would be out until 2018, but this is Ibrahimovic—he doesn't follow normal rules.
By November, he had declared himself ready for action, and substitute appearances against Basel, Brighton & Hove Albion, Watford and Manchester City followed, before he scored in an EFL Cup start against Bristol City.
All appeared well, his soft approach to the comeback seemingly paying dividends. But then it all came to a grinding halt.
Ibra was taken off at half-time in United's Premier League match against Burnley on Boxing Day, and he has not been seen since.
Mourinho says he is back in training and could be back for the Champions League game against Sevilla in a fortnight, but what role is he likely to play from here?
The Los Angeles Galaxy want to sign him, and it might just be time to accept United don't need him. Maybe Zlatan is human, after all.
Managing the Comeback
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After suffering the horrific knee-buckle against Anderlecht in April, Ibrahimovic was quick to hit the comeback trail.
He had never suffered such a major injury before but set to his task of getting fit again like a man possessed. He travelled to the United States in May for surgery from top doctor Freddie Fu and immediately declared that he would be back "stronger."
At that stage, he was out of contract, but such was his dedication to pushing for a return date, United gave him a new deal in August.
After returning to action in that Newcastle game, BT Sport asked if he ever doubted a comeback: "No, because lions, they don't recover like humans."
He hoped that would be the end of it, but watching him in those early games and training sessions, I'm told some figures at United began to question whether he would be able to raise his game again to such high levels.
He was fit, sure. But not match fit. Certainly not Ibra-fit.
As he suffered a setback with the issue at the turn of the year, Mourinho described Ibrahimovic's situation in a way the Swede would not ever have wanted to hear.
"The same knee," he said. "A massive problem. He is a 36-year-old with a bad knee."
Wanted at LA Galaxy
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Still Ibrahimovic trains each day at United's Carrington base, driven by the motivation that he can prove everyone wrong again. But the prospect of a move to another club is possibly becoming tempting, and L.A. Galaxy want him on board.
ESPN's Taylor Twellman reported an agreement between the player and MLS club was "the furthest along it has ever been." A significant statement in that Galaxy have twice before tried to sign him.
Having spoken to Galaxy sources, it is clear there is no deal in place right now, but there is certainly a desire to make it happen on the American side of the deal.
A major sticking point is that Galaxy do not have any Designated Player spots available right now, meaning his salary options are limited. The club are continuing to search for a solution, though, in hope that they can soon have him on board as the biggest name in the league.
The new season begins in March, but United manager Mourinho is playing it down.
"He never mentioned absolutely anything to me," he stated. "Not an opinion, comment, nothing at all. So I presume nothing is true in the news because I would probably be first to know from him. So I presume nothing."
Ibra is staying quiet on the possibility, but Galaxy are more obvious in their intentions.
Stay for More Euro Glory
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Perhaps one burning desire will stop him from leaving United right now: a chance to win the Champions League.
It is a major trophy in European football that he has not managed to get his hands on, and his ambition to put that right has always been obvious.
Quite how ready he is to play any role in United's campaign remains to be seen, but he is listed in their squad for the competition, and there is a strong chance they will progress to the quarter-final stage.
Although he was sidelined for the win over Ajax, Ibra was on hand to enjoy United's Europa League success last season, and he would love the opportunity to get his hands on the most sought-after trophy of all.
But how would he feel about being a bit-part player? And is it realistic that United will go all the way in the Champions League anyway?
What United Fans Think
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Last season he clearly played a vital role for United. He lifted their status, their belief, their chances of winning silverware. It was fun, and the fans loved him for it.
But the team have moved on since last season. United have signed more relevant stars in Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez and, on their day, are playing a brand of football he will find hard to fit into.
We saw him for a total of 187 minutes before his latest knee injury setback, and while there certainly remains a fondness towards him, many fans feel they should move forward without him.
Scott Patterson, a United fan and football writer, is one of those who admits United no longer need him.
"He didn't really make an impact this season before his injury," he said. "He looked a mile off the pace. Yes, he scored a decent free-kick against Bristol City but his touch and his passing were poor. He shouldn't be anywhere near the starting XI, except for in the FA Cup.
"He's a good option to have in games United are chasing, with his height and potential for moments of brilliance. And he can also be used in rotation to give other players a rest.
"Am I bothered about seeing him in a United shirt again? More for sentimental reasons than anything else.
"He played an important role last season, and it was sad to see him denied getting to play in the Stockholm final. It would be nice to see him get another big game and get the chance for another big moment."
United season-ticket holder Andy Davies told me: "He can still benefit the squad even if not playing, so I say we should keep him—especially as he has the best chant!"
It's obvious United fans are fond of him, yet clear he is not seen as the same emblem of hope he was last season.
Decision Time
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While we wait to discover how he'll next attempt a comeback, remember that Zlatan loves to be the star of the show. At United, that is no longer the case—he's only going to be used in a supporting role.
Meanwhile, over in L.A., a superstar is missing from an otherwise impressive roster—so Ibrahimovic is an obvious fit.
Galaxy have the added pressure of contending with a new team in town this season as L.A. FC begin their exciting era, so they need to make sure they are also filling their stadium.
They want Ibra, but does Ibra need Los Angeles?
He is the arguably the most recognisable name in world football outside of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and surely he would want a guarantee of a starting spot in the side if it is to happen. Let's face it, to end his career as a substitute in MLS would be difficult to take.
He is a hugely motivated man, a natural born winner, an egomaniac. If Galaxy vow to make him their star player, build the team around him, let him enjoy living in a Californian vibe, then such a move could work.
Galaxy don't need Ibrahimovic, but that doesn't mean it is not going to happen.
In his career he has moved from Malmo to Amsterdam; Turin to Milan. He has played in Barcelona, Paris and now Manchester. For the player and the brand, maybe it just makes sense to wrap things up in Hollywood.
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