Delayed Start For Zlatan?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could miss the first two games of Manchester United's Premier League season after he was named in Sweden's provisional squad for the Rio Olympics.

The talismanic forward was included in Hakan Ericson's 35-man squad for the Games, which run from August 5-22, with the men's football teams made up of mostly U23 players, with an allowance for some older players.

The squad will be trimmed to 22 for Rio - where Sweden face Nigeria, Colombia and Japan in Group B - and Ericson says the chances that Ibrahimovic will be part of the final squad are 'not so great but there is still a hope'.

Ericson added: "It could be a new phase in his career; and Zlatan has said that he is willing to wait until after the Euros (to decide). I want to keep open the tiniest gap that might exist, because it would be fantastic to bring Zlatan."

Ibrahimovic left Paris Saint-Germain after four years in the French capital - where he boasted a record of 113 goals in 122 appearances - and is expected to complete a one-year deal at Old Trafford later this summer.

United have made plans for Ibrahimovic to undertake a medical in Manchester after Euro 2016 having agreed personal terms with the striker.

Jose Mourinho's side are scheduled to open their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth on August 13 before hosting Southampton at Old Trafford one week later.

Ibrahimovic, 34, won his 114th cap for Sweden in Monday's 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris.

Credit: Skysports.com