Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho insists fit-again Zlatan Ibrahimovic is strictly a "second option" to Romelu Lukaku.

Mourinho has claimed he is by no means 100 per cent match ready, despite two appearances in the last week.

“No, [he's] not ready, step by step, minute after minute, match after match," Mourinho said.

"It is easy to play him if the team is losing for the last 15 or 20 mins, if the team is winning his qualities are adapted.

“You don't play him only if the team is losing or winning, he is a player who's easy to bring to the game.

“So normally he is going to have this period of 15, 20 minutes and one day he will feel he is physically ready.

“No impact around the place is not important, impact on the pitch is always positive, he's a good influence, it doesn't change if he's playing or not playing."

“He's one more option for us and it is impossible for Lukaku to play every match, every minute like he's doing.

“And when I say second I say second option."