Having now played for eight clubs in his professional career, it seems as though Zlatan Ibrahimovic is slowly turning his attentions to what he will do once he hangs up boots.

At 35, even the self-assured Swede must know his days as a player at the top are numbered now, and Manchester United could be the club where he begins the next chapter of his career, as a coach.

The Daily Star report that the 116-cap former Sweden international will be asked to link up with Jose Mourinho as part of the backroom team at Old Trafford à la Ryan Giggs under David Moyes and subsequently Louis van Gaal.

According to a ‘club source’, such an arrangement at this point in the ex-PSG man’s career would be to the benefit of ‘all parties’:

“Zlatan has one eye on the future and is keen to become a manager in his own right.

“United recognise this and will be willing to help him. He is such a positive influence on those around him that a coaching role would suit all parties.”

Having started out as a professional in 1999 with hometown club Malmo, Ibrahimovic certainly has enough experience in the game to warrant a move to the dugout in the future. With an inherent will to win at all costs he too would surely be a manager perfectly suited to learning his trade under a tireless boss like Mourinho.

It may be fanciful thinking at present for United fans, with their team in sixth place in the Premier League, but the potential of a long-term strategy in place with both Mourinho and Ibrahimovic on the sidelines is certainly an exciting prospect.