Zlatan Ibrahimovic can 'play for many years', says his surgeon

The surgeon who operated on Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic says the veteran forward is in "superb shape" and can play on for many years if he wishes.

Ibrahimovic underwent surgery in the United States last week aftersuffering major knee ligament damage during a Europa League tie against Anderlecht.

Ibrahimovic faces a long period of rehabilitation and, with his United contract due to expire at the end of the season, his future at the club is in doubt.

But Dr Freddie Fu told the South China Morning Post he is convinced that Ibrahimovic should be able to continue playing at the top level.

Fu, who is chairman of the department of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, has carried out over 20,000 knee operations.

And he operated on Ibrahimovic alongside colleague Volker Musahl.

Fu said: "I can't discuss too many details, I don't want to get in trouble with Manchester United.

"But I can tell you he's in superb shape in all things.

"Healthy morphology, the quality of the bone and muscle, everything is as good as you can possibly see.

"He's one of the top athletes I've ever touched, he is in superb shape.

"He can still play for many years."

Ibrahimovic has been a great success in his first season at United, scoring 28 goals in 46 appearances and bagging a brace in the EFL Cup final win over Southampton.