Zlatan Ibrahimovic released by Manchester United but striker's future not yet decided

Premier League clubs were required to submit their retained and released lists by the third Saturday in May, with Ibrahimovic’s name absent from the list of players that United want to keep

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's future at the club remains unclear (Getty)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been included on Manchester United's list of players who will be released from the club this coming summer, but his departure is not inevitable and the striker could yet be retained.

Premier League clubs were required to submit their retained and released lists by the third Saturday in May, with Ibrahimovic’s name absent from the list of players that United want to keep for the 2017/18 season.

However, the fact that Ibrahimovic's name appears on the list does not necessarily spell the end of the player’s time at Old Trafford.

The Premier League stresses that the list is 'not definitive', stating: "Please note that players signified as a 'free transfer' or released by a club on the expiry of their contract on 30 June 2017, could still remain there next season and so this list should not be seen as definitive for players leaving their club."

Ibrahimovic enjoyed a fine debut campaign in English football, scoring 28 goals in all competitions for the club and winning three trophies, but the season-ending injury suffered against Anderlecht has raised questions over his future at United.

At the end of United’s Europa League match against Anderlecht the striker suffered serious ligament damage in his right knee, and was subsequently ruled out for the rest of 2017.

The injury has hampered his chances of signing a one-year extension on the 12-month deal he agreed when joining the club from PSG last summer.

However, it is understood that those behind the scenes at Old Trafford have been impressed by Ibrahimovic's recovery and he could be offered a new deal if he completes his recovery ahead of schedule.

Even so, Ibrahimovic's injury means a new No 9 is high on United's list of priorities this summer. As revealed by The Independent on Friday, the club are confident of pulling off a double deal for Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata and Torino's Andrea Belotti, having already agreed terms with the former.