Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Zlatan Ibrahimovic has his number if he is serious about returning to Manchester United.
But the Norwegian has poured cold water on a sensational Old Trafford comeback for the veteran striker.
Departures of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez this month have left Man Utd desperately short of forward options this season.
Solskjaer is prepared to wait until next summer to strengthen his attack, with Jadon Sancho his leading target.
But Ibrahimovic opened the door to a possible return this week when declaring he can still do a job in the Premier League if he leaves LA Galaxy.
Solskjaer said: “If he was 28 not 38 next month - there’s a big difference. Zlatan had a great time here, he’s still doing well, it’s unfortunate he got his injury here when he did.
“Who knows? He knows my number, he didn’t rent my house, but he looked at it. We can speak a native language. If he’s serious, I’ll always speak to Zlatan.”
But a January move for the much-travelled striker is not on the cards, with Solskjaer adding: “I don’t think that will happen. I think he’s had his time at the club, he’s had a fantastic career at the club.
“I woudn’t expect him to be serious when he said that.”
Solskjaer admitted Sanchez had to leave United to restart his career after a miserable 19 months at the club.
The Chile international has completed a season-long loan move to Inter Milan – but could return, with no option to buy inserted in the deal.
“Alexis needed to go,” said United’s manager. “At the moment we know he’s been here for 18 months and it’s not really worked out for him.
“For him to restart and get himself playing regularly and scoring goals that will only benefit everyone in the end.
“He will come good for them. For us we had a decision to make. I’m trusting Anthony (Martial), Marcus (Rashford), Mason (Greenwood) to be our centre forwards. We’ve got wingers in (Tahith) Chongy, Dan James, (Andreas) Pereira. We’ve loads of options, for me it’s time for our boys to feel that pressure and responsibility, to be more robust, to know they may have to play five games in a row.
“I trust the fitness staff and medical staff and the pre-season work that we’re mentally and physically more ready. That’s the next step for our young players.”
