Mourinho: Ibrahimovic To Be Manchester United Impact Substitute

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will continue to play a substitute's role as he builds up his fitness, says Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

Ibrahimovic made his return from a serious knee injury in last Saturday's win over Newcastle and also came off the bench in the Champions League loss at Basel in midweek.

However, Mourinho says it is too soon to consider the Swede for a place in his starting line-up.

"He is not ready," said the Portuguese. "Step by step, minute after minute, match after match.

"I think it is easy to play him if the team is losing - you need him on the pitch for the last 15-20 minutes.

"If the team is winning, you need him on the pitch for the last 15-20 minutes because his qualities are adapted to both situations.

"Normally he's going to have these periods. One day we'll feel that he is physically ready.

"Is his impact around the place just as important? No. It's his impact on the pitch when he plays. He is always positive and a good influence.

"He is important on the pitch because he is one more option for us.

"I think it is impossible for [Rromelu] Lukaku to play every match, every minute like he is doing. We need this second option."

United are entering a crucial stage of their Premier League campaign. They play three games in eight days against Brighton, Watford and Arsenal.

"We have four competitions to play and let's go step by step, it's the only thing we can do," said Mourinho, whose side enter the weekend eight points to leaders Manchester City.

"Match after match, Champions League finished against Basel, we switch off and move to the Premier League.

"It is an interesting week because I think is the first time this season where we have three Premier League matches in one week."

Credit: Skysports.com