Manchester United: Zlatan Ibrahimovic to come back 'even stronger' from injury
Last updated on .From the section Football
Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he will "come back even stronger" after suffering cruciate knee-ligament damage.
The 35-year-old was injured in the final minute of normal time during last week's Europa League quarter-final second-leg win over Anderlecht.
Ibrahimovic is United's top scorer this season, with 28 goals but it is unclear when he will be fit to play again.
"I will be out for a while," he wrote but added "giving up is not an option."
Writing on Instagram, the Swede added: "I will go through this like everything else and come back even stronger. So far I played with one leg so it shouldn't be any problem.
"One thing is for sure, I decide when it's time to stop and nothing else."
Speaking before Sunday's 2-0 win at Burnley, United manager Jose Mourinho said on Sky Sports: "I know (how long he will be out for), but it is for the medical department to be more specific and they prefer to wait a couple more days because the players want to see other specialists and to have an extra opinion and we have to respect that. But they are important injuries."
Asked whether Ibrahimovic would play again, the Portuguese replied: "I don't care about it in this moment, I just want the player to recover the best he can."
Ibrahimovic joined the club on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain last summer but is yet to agree an extension to his one-year United deal.
Marcos Rojo also suffered cruciate knee-ligament damage in the same game.
The defender was replaced on 23 minutes after colliding with a visiting player.
Mourinho said he also knew how long Rojo would be out for, adding: "Marcos was in the best moment of his career, playing very well for us and finally getting a position as a central defender in the national team. It's really sad."
Rojo's injury leaves United manager Jose Mourinho short of options at centre-back with England internationals Phil Jones and Chris Smalling already on the sidelines.
Eric Bailly and Daley Blind are United's only fit senior centre-backs ahead of the Manchester derby at Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
United midfielder Juan Mata says the loss of both players has tarnished recent good results.
"These situations just happen in football, that's for sure, although they're never easy to take," he said.
"Now it's time to be patient and strong to face the recovery period and I'm sure both of them will do their best."
Mata, 28, is currently recovering from groin surgery and is hopeful of returning before the end of the season.
"The truth is I'm feeling much better now and I hope to be back with the team soon, to try to help in the last spell of the season," he added.
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However ibra not signing a new contract could come back to bite him on the butt.
i have said this before man utd might be better off with rashford and lingard up top as they were superb against Chelsea.
Wishing them both a speedy recovery and even though I don't like him, hope Zlatan gets to play again.
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Agreed - I think they've opened up an HYS to allow people to express good wishes etc ..... fat chance with this childish bunch of bitters
For those who pass derogatory comments regarding player injuries, just think that next time it could be one of your team's players (assuming you follow a team!)
If that's you doing that, how about showing your comment to your mum or your kids. You won't of course, because you're pathetic.
I feel for the bloke & hope he heals properly
A Liverpool fan
Whilst not pretty football, Utd are/were turning a corner of sorts.
Utd need a Summer Fire sale of players and stop the obsession with wanting to sign Marquee stars which, Pogba apart, they have failed to do.
They should concentrate on a blend of youth (like Rashford and Martial) and emerging talent.
on 3 hours ago
Sad to see comments from other supporters mocking Ibra's injury. I may be a LFC fan but respect good footballers regardless of who they play for. It's a nasty injury and sadly at his age could be end of his career.
This is what you call a true gentleman. One who has some sense. Thanks mate. Well done. If only others spoke like you.
Utd have managed the last few games very well: Burnley have the 6th best home record, including the beating of Liverpool, holding of Chelsea and narrow losses to City and Arsenal.
Mourinho has nullified danger men in last two PL games and players like Rojo have flourished.
Hard end to season but in with a shout.
He was supposedly only going to sign if they had Champions League next season? If he was that fussed about the Champions League, why did he go there in the first place?
Me? I'm grateful for the 28 goals and the lasting effect his mentoring will have on the likes of Rashford. I wonder how much worse we'd have fared earlier in the season without him.