"Lions, they don't recover like humans."

How else could Zlatan Ibrahimovic have come back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury within seven months?

When the 36-year-old suffered a double tear to his knee in the Europa League towards the end of last season, many predicted it would be a sad end to his illustrious career.

However, the striker made a surprise reappearance for Manchester United during their 4-1 win over Newcastle.

It remains to be seen how Jose Mourinho will accommodate the former PSG, Barcelona, and Inter Milan star alongside top scorer Romelu Lukaku, who has scored 11 goals in all competitions so far this season.

Regardless, it's got to be seen as a huge bonus to have such a world-class talent as an additional option.

During his rehabilitation at Carrington, doctors have admitted to being shocked by his incredible physical condition.

The Swede's comeback was impressive enough already, but he's now told MUTV that it wasn't just an ACL injury, as was reported at the time.

Worse than first feared 

Ibra claims there was additional damage to his knee that he didn't reveal publicly, which makes the fact he's returned so quickly all the more phenomenal.

“I told you, lions don’t recover like humans," he said, quoted via 101GreatGoals.

“That I have now proved, rather than just saying it. But if people knew what kind of injury I had, they would not believe this.

“People believe I only had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury, but I had more stuff in my knee that was injured.

“I want to keep that to myself, though, because I don’t need to tell the world – it’s very sensitive."

Ibrahimovic was United's top scorer last season with 17 goals in 28 games.

It was widely reported that he chose to sign a new one-year deal at Old Trafford because he is determined to win the Premier League, though that is looking increasingly out-of-reach due to Manchester City's dominance.

Let's just hope the severity of his injury doesn't hold him back as he makes his return.

Should United be starting Zlatan if he's fit? Have your say in the comments.