Zlatan Ibrahimovic Hints He Would Turn Down Loan Move to Manchester United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted he is prepared to reject a January loan move to Manchester United after reports linked the L.A. Galaxy striker with a temporary switch to Old Trafford.

Mark Ogden of ESPN FC reported the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar could help out manager Jose Mourinho by returning to England during the MLS offseason.

However, Ibrahimovic has indicated he has no intention of moving clubs at present.

Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Metro), the Swedish icon said:

"I think I'm in a situation where I need to have a good balance between work and rest.

"Because I came back from injury and because of my age and the load I'm putting in during training.

"It's not what I have been thinking about because we still have two games, hopefully we make the play-offs.

"Any more on that I don't know what to say because I haven't focused on that, I haven't put any thought on it."

Dave Thompson/Associated Press

The 37-year-old suffered a serious knee injury at the end of his first campaign with United, and the setback ultimately led to the end of his spell with the Red Devils.

Ibrahimovic recovered sufficiently to find his way to the United States, and he has been in sensational form for his latest club.

The striking legend recently said the recent criticism of Mourinho has been unjust and called for his former boss to stay true to his methods, per Sky Sports Football:

Mourinho tempted the former Sweden international to swap life in Paris for Manchester in 2016 after his contract with PSG expired, and he immediately became a hit with the Stretford End as he consistently found the back of the net.

The No. 9 scored 22 goals and provided eight assists during his period with United, as Mourinho's men claimed success in the UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup.

Romelu Lukaku replaced Ibrahimovic as United's primary striker, but the Belgian does not carry the leadership skills of his predecessor.

United appeared solid as they earned second in the Premier League last term, but their form has recently collapsed with Lukaku isolated up front.

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Ibrahimovic wouldn't have been a long-term solution for the Old Trafford club, but he might have provided goals and much needed magic from the substitutes bench.

United's next Premier League game is at Chelsea on Saturday, and pundits and fans will be intrigued to see if the starting XI can improve their consistency after the international break.

Mourinho has to start winning games once again, otherwise the calls for him to lose his job will intensify in the weeks ahead.