Recent comments from Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic have suggested that he may be leaning towards the idea of extending his stay at Old Trafford beyond the end of this season.

The retired Sweden international arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, signing a one-year deal with Jose Mourinho, and has been the main man in the red half of Manchester this season.

With many questioning his ability to still score goals at a similar rate to the seasons prior to his move in the Premier League, the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker turned up with a point to prove.

Since making his debut the 31-year-old, who is currently suspended for his elbow on Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings, has more than proved his point, bagging 26 goals in all competitions and almost single handedly winning Mourinho his first major trophy as United manager, with a brace in the EFL Cup final.

Whilst the Red Devils have the spending power and depth to replace the attacking power of the world’s best journeyman striker, the fact that a a striker of Ibrahimovic’s standing and prowess is willing to further commit to Mourinho’s project at Old Trafford will be a huge boost to all involved.

This is especially the case given what is supposedly on offer should he decide to leave the club in the summer. If reports are to be believed, there are offers from MLS with franchises prepared to make the Swede the highest played player in MLS history, which is saying something, a deal which would far exceed his already substantial pay packet  in the Premier League.

Whilst you may argue that the standard is higher in the Premier League and that players should have ambition to succeed at the very top, such a lucrative offer for a player of Zlatan’s age is hard to turn down.

Mourinho has built a solid base in his first season at the club, however, the former Chelsea boss must kick on next season and keeping his talisman will go a long way to helping that become a reality.

Another year with Ibrahimovic in the squad may well mean less time playing for the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, however, what it will give the young duo is another season of learning from one of the best in the game, lessons that will be priceless as their respective United careers develop in the years to come.

Keeping the Swedish forward is far from Mourinho’s top priority this summer, his problem is completely different to that of Arsene Wenger with Alexis Sanchez, but should the Portuguese manage to convince his No.9 to stay on, it could be the first step to tangible success next season.