Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be offered escape route from Old Trafford nightmare by LA Galaxy

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be offered a way out of his Manchester United nightmare by LA Galaxy.

The MLS club believe 35-year-old Ibrahimovic could be open to a move next summer when his current contract at Old Trafford expires.

Galaxy are trying to move away from signing ageing players but Ibrahimovic would be an exception because his superstar status would make him a big attraction.

It would be a blow for Wayne Rooney as LA Galaxy are seen as one potential destination if he were to leave Old Trafford having lost his position as a guaranteed starter at United.

It is believed Galaxy see Ibrahimovic as a more likely target than Rooney who has two years left on his £300,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford. There is an option for a third.

Ibrahimovic also has an option for another 12 months at United but it remains to be seen whether that will be taken up.

He has failed to score in his last six games after starting the season with five goals in as many matches.

There have already been enquiries from several major clubs from all over the world about Ibrahimovic and if he went to the States then it would be a major coup.

However, Mourinho is still backing his goal-shy striker although skipper Wayne Rooney is pushing hard for a recall.

“He (Ibrahimovic) is playing well for the team,” said Mourinho. “He’s creating a lot of chances and missing a lot of goals.

“If I remember Stoke, Liverpool, Chelsea and Burnley, he missed a lot of goals but he was fantastic in his dynamic, his working, his building up for the team - he was fantastic.

“His attitude is always brilliant. He’s not a guy afraid of his responsibility, so no problem at all.”

Mourinho, who will serve a one-match touchline ban at Swansea today after accepting an FA misconduct charge, admitted United need to start scoring goals.

“Sometimes a team doesn’t score goals because of its philosophy, because the team isn’t aggressive enough and doesn’t risk enough,” said the United boss.

“That’s not our case at all. But it’s easy to see that some players lack confidence in attacking areas and they’re not getting the chances they can.

“Probably one of the only good things [from the Europa League defeat] was the fact that Rooney finally scored a goal. Maybe it’s also a key point in terms of his self-confidence.”

Mourinho also called on his United players to show more leadership qualities on the pitch to end their dismal run and kickstart their ailing season.

The United boss said: “With a stronger attitude, leadership on the pitch, defenders in control of the emotion and the organisation, it’s easier to be strong and be solid.”