Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Manchester United: Fans left disappointed as striker's name doesn't fit on shirt

The club currently offers 10 characters only, meaning Ibrahimovic's name will not fit onto their current shirts

Zlatan Ibrahimovic attends a press conference after a Sweden training session (Getty)

Manchester United fans hoping for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to join the club will be left disappointed even if the Swedish superstar arrives in the summer, because the club cannot fit his name on the back of their shirt.

The club’s official website only allows a maximum of 10 characters on the back of kits along with a number, meaning that anyone who risks gambling on the striker’s arrival will be left with ‘Ibrahimovi’ due to the character limit.

Of course, United can update their current system to allow the Swede’s name to fit, but any fan looking to beat the transfer rumours and bag themselves a shirt that appears to predict the future will have to wait.

The comical scenario has only arisen due to Ibrahimovic’s refusal to rule out a move to Old Trafford, with the former Paris Saint-Germain forward available on a free transfer after leaving the French league champions following the expiration of his contract.

According to The Sun, Ibrahimovic will wear the No 9 shirt – should he choose to join United – even though it is currently worn by Anthony Martial, with the France international poised to claim Memphis Depay’s No 7 after emerging as United’s key striker while the Netherlands international failed to impress during his maiden year at Old Trafford.

United's club shop have a 10-character limit for names on the back of shirts (store.manutd.com)

Ibrahimovic has already expressed his interest in working with new United manager Jose Mourinho once again, and he spoke on Thursday to tease a move to Old Trafford in the coming weeks, having answered questions about the switch with "Let’s see what happens."

Addressing Mourinho’s appointment as Louis van Gaal’s successor, Ibrahimovic said: "I think it’s a great move. You want action, you bring Mourinho. I think he is the man to bring them back to the top.

"I had a fantastic time with him. When I left Inter I said we had a short time together but I had a great time. If we will work again, I don’t know. Let’s see how things play out.

"I’ve been speaking with him every day since I left Inter so there is no secret," he added. "I have a great relationship with Mourinho and we are in contact."