Manchester United agrees to terminate Zlatan Ibrahimovic's contract with immediate effect

The Swede has been released from his contract with a move to Los Angeles Galaxy now likely

Zlatan Ibrahimovic struggled to fully recover from the effects of a serious knee injury (Getty)

Manchester United have terminated Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract with immediate effect, bringing his stay at Old Trafford to an end four months early.

The 36-year-old, who joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016, is now expected to finalise a move to Major League Soccer with Los Angeles Galaxy the favourites for his signature.

A statement published to United’s official club website on Thursday read: “Manchester United confirms that it has agreed to the termination of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract with immediate effect.

“Everyone at the club would like to thank Zlatan for his contribution to the team since his arrival and wishes him well for the future.”

Ibrahimovic leaves United having made just seven appearances this season after struggling to recover from the effects of a serious knee ligament injury suffered last April.

Ibrahimovic was awarded a new year-long contract by United last summer but, since returning to full training in November, his fitness problems have persisted and limited his time on the pitch.

Jose Mourinho admitted earlier this month that he expected this to be Ibrahimovic’s final year at the club.

“Only that awful injury at the wrong moment broke a fantastic couple of seasons he could, and should, have had with us,” the United manager said.

Ibrahimovic’s last United appearance came in Boxing Day’s 2-2 draw with Burnley, which saw the former Juventus, Internazionale and Barcelona striker substituted at half time.

Last year, Ibrahimovic led United’s line, scoring 28 goals in 46 games as Mourinho’s side went on to lift the EFL Cup and the Europa League.

However, the knee ligament injury and the £75m acquisition of Romelu Lukaku forced Ibrahimovic down United’s pecking order and ultimately out the door.