ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC may be left behind by Jose Mourinho when Manchester United fly to China on Tuesday, with the manager considering handing the striker his friendly debut against Galatasaray on July 30 or Everton on Aug. 3, the Guardian reported yesterday.

    Ibrahimovic signed for United on a free transfer July 2 after Sweden’s exit from Euro 2016. They were knocked out of the championships on 22 June. Under FIFA rules all players must have a minimum three-week rest after a tournament.

    This means Ibrahimovic is available to take part in the eight-day tour of China but it is understood Mourinho may not take the player who turns 35 in October. The manager wants to give Ibrahimovic, who is on holiday in America, extra rest before the Premier League season.

    After facing Borussia Dortmund on July 23 in Shanghai and Manchester City in Beijing three days later, United play Galatasaray on July 30. As this is in Gothenburg, Mourinho may decide it is an apt venue for Ibrahimovic to play his first match for the club. If not, then Ibrahimovic will feature against Everton at Old Trafford on Aug. 3 in Wayne Rooney’s testimonial.

    United’s England contingent of Rooney, Chris Smalling and Marcus Rashford began their holiday after Roy Hodgson’s side were eliminated by Iceland on June 27. While all three are expected to be named in the squad for China they will not feature, Mourinho has said.

    (SD-Agencies)