Ibrahimovic was given a huge ovation as a 77th-minute substitute

Speaking to MUTV, the striker claimed his injury had been worse than people might have realised, but told of his pride at finally pulling on United colours again.

He said: "I told you, lions don't recover like humans. 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.

                                   

                 I am just thankful I am able to run, 

                do my things, do a little bit of 'abracadabra'

               magic - things that a lion does!

 

"Even in the warm-up, I felt the supporters cheering my name, singing my song. It gives me a lot of energy, a lot of love, motivation, you just want to go out there and give back.

"I was very pumped, very honoured, very proud. In that moment, I just wanted to go out, smell the grass and just give back, play my game, touch the ball as much as possible, feel free to play, doing things I did before my injury, because I have not been able to do these things whilst I was injured.


"I am just thankful I am able to run, do my things, do a little bit of 'abracadabra' magic - things that a lion does!"
Ibrahimovic, who was United's leading scorer last season, cited his determination as a key factor in his recovery and insisted quitting was never an option.

 He said: "I am very thankful that I am able to play football again after what happened. I appreciate every day I can put on the football boots and work hard and play the game that I love, play the game that I have played all my life and the game that means everything for me.