The Swede has only played five matches this season after undergoing surgery on a horrific knee injury.

Ibrahimovic made his comeback from a seven-month layoff against Newcastle on November 18.

He has yet to find the net this term and is now United’s second choice striker behind Romelu Lukaku.

Mourinho has already had to pull him from the squad for two matches since his return to allow him to recover and build strength around his knee in the gym.

According to the Sun, the United hierarchy fear that Ibrahimovic may never become the same player that he once was.

It is suggested that they will instead back Mourinho to bolster his attacking options in the January transfer market.

The Red Devils are desperate to keep tabs on league leaders Manchester city, who are 11 points clear at the top.

It is thought that Mourinho is keen to add to his squad to bridge the gap in quality on Pep Guardiola’s outfit.

The Portuguese boss splashed out heavily in the summer bringing in Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof.

And he is expected to do likewise next month, with the likes of Harry Kane, Paulo Dyabla and Mesut Ozil all touted as possible targets.