Manchester United news: Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'plans to be a manager' by taking coaching badges in New Year

The 34-year-old has been a sensation since arriving at Old Trafford this summer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates his second of two strikes against Southampton (Getty)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic plans to start studying towards his coaching badges this season as the Manchester United forward looks ahead to a career in management when he retires.

The 34-year-old has been a sensation since arriving at Old Trafford this summer, scoring the winner against Leicester City in the Community Shield, before adding three goals in as many Premier League matches for Jose Mourinho's side.

The Swede retired from international football shortly before joining Mourinho in the North West and reports suggest talks have already been staged about extending his contract with the 20-time English champions beyond the one season already agreed.

A United source allegedly told The Sun newspaper: “Zlatan is already tapping into Jose Mourinho and planning for the future in the game. He has told the lads he does not see an end to his playing days for another two or three years.

“Jose has left his door open and Ibra likes the idea of coaching, but not necessarily a manager right away. He is enjoying picking up a few ideas and he fancies Italy.

“Ibra will take a badge when things settle down for him early in New Year and then progress it next summer.”

Ibrahimovic was signed at United to assist with the development of young talents such as England striker Marcus Rashford, providing the former Barcelona and AC Milan striker with the perfect platform to practice his coaching abilities.

Last weekend, Mourinho revealed his plans to award Ibrahimovic with an ‘a la carte’ holiday package wherever possible this season. “If you’re 34 years of age, you need to rest,” Mourinho said.

“You can’t play 70 matches. The other guys who aren’t selected for their national teams, I give them two days off, but for Zlatan, I give holidays a la carte. It depends on the situation. He’s playing every match, every minute.

“Four matches, he played 360 minutes. So it’s four days off for the big guy.”