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Zlatan reveals secret to quick Manchester United injury return

Getty Images
Getty Images

Zlatan Ibrahimovic delivered a trademark response to questions about his quick return for Manchester United: "lions don't recover like humans".

Ibrahimovic's career looked in doubt last April when he suffered a season-ending knee injury, and the striker was initially released by United this summer as his contract expired.

However, United offered the former Sweden captain a new deal in late August, and Ibrahimovic returned off the bench to a standing ovation as the Red Devils saw out a 4-1 comeback win over Newcastle.

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The striker occupied a deeper role in attacking midfield for the last 20 minutes of the game, and went close to a goal as he saw an acrobatic volley tipped away in the closing stages.

When asked about the speed of his recovery, Ibrahimovic - who has grown fond of likening himself to the big cat family - told BT Sport after the game: "Was I worried about returning?

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

"No. Lions don't recover like humans.

"This feels special. Different day, same quality.

"I'm not worried at all - I train hard, sacrifice a lot.

"I play in my head, my knee just needs to follow."