United may unleash Pogba and Ibrahimovic

Manchester United supporters could be treated to the long-awaited returns of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba when their team resume their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United on Saturday. The pair, so instrumental in United's success last season, are back in full training and may be named on the bench as manager Jose Mourinho attempts to integrate them back into his first-team plans. Ibrahimovic, 35, has made an impressive recovery from the career-threatening knee ligament injury he suffered in April.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has vowed to come back better and stronger than ever for Manchester United: https://t.co/47prAcR0sG pic.twitter.com/zTJ5GPSbcR

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 16, 2017

Pogba's injury was less serious, but the 24-year-old France midfielders has nevertheless been sidelined since mid-September with a torn hamstring. In his absence, United's play has stuttered compared with their impressive early-season form and, of the two, his return could be the more pivotal. Ibrahimovic said in an interview in his native Sweden that he will return from his injury stronger for the experience.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants a new role when he makes his Manchester United return. https://t.co/I2S86kVPvV pic.twitter.com/OLVilIVkhu

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 17, 2017

"I'm determined to return better and stronger than before," said Ibrahimovic, whose side trail league leaders Manchester City by eight points. "That is my goal and it will happen. There are no other options. "When I've decided to do something, nothing is going to change my mind. I said I would take over Sweden. At breakfast I had already taken over Sweden.

I got the chance to talk a bit with @jangradvall. Hear my story about the injury and the long way back. But most importantly, about #Number10 #MadeBySweden https://t.co/rUiear560f pic.twitter.com/x1DprMgMDZ

— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) November 16, 2017

"At lunch I took over Europe. At dinner I took over the world. That was my plan. And that is exactly what happened." The veteran forward also said he is relishing the prospect of partnering Romelu Lukaku in the United attack, having handed the Belgium striker his number nine squad shirt when Lukaku signed from Everton. "I was asked who I thought was good in the league and I mentioned Lukaku," said Ibrahimovic.

Jose Mourinho has told Sky Sports News that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to action for Man Utd before the end of the year. Full story: https://t.co/Jby10o3Nl3 pic.twitter.com/W69tzs4qMV

— Sky Sports PL ? (@SkySportsPL) November 16, 2017

"He is physically strong and he makes a lot of goals. Every team needs players like that. I am glad he is at United. I think he will help us a lot and he already has in just a short time." Defender Marcos Rojo is making good progress from his own knee ligament injury and played for United's under-23 team in mid-week, although he may not be in contention for the Newcastle visit. Mourinho, who has been plagued by injury problems in recent weeks, is finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, with midfielders Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick both available for the game. Phil Jones has also recovered from the thigh injury he suffered while on international duty, offering Mourinho options in defence, with Eric Bailly likely to partner the England man at centre-back.