JOSE MOURINHO HAS confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to action before the end of the year.
Ibrahimovic tore his anterior cruciate ligament in April to place his career and United future in doubt.
But the 36-year-old forward has recovered swiftly from the serious injury and is closing in on a first-team comeback.
Mourinho suggested last month the former Sweden international could be back this year and the Portuguese boss is now certain of that timescale.
“He is a lion, he is a fighter,” Mourinho told Sky Sports, amid reports that Ibrahimovic and fellow long-term absentee Paul Pogba could be in contention to return as early as Saturday’s match at home to Newcastle United.
I think that is a good description of him, he has the anger all the time and that’s the reason why he’s almost coming back.
“As we expect, he’s reduced the timing of his recovering and, as we were saying a few weeks ago, he will be back in 2017, which is a magnificent recovery.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
Can’t stand that Irelands call. We are a one nation team. Surely a better sing than a Phil coulter ditty would be better. Cmon Ireland
We’re not a “one nation team”.That’s non negotiable.Accept it and show some respect to the Bests and Trimbles in Irish rugby.
One nation two jurisdictions. Irish is Irish whether it’s the North or the Republic
Eh that’s what i meant! republic and northern Irish players playing as one.
Leslie, my comment was directed at Peter Rice. I agee with you of course
sound Peter my reply was not for yourself either, was meant for the other chap too :-)
The whole point of introducing Ireland’s Call – I also hate it btw ;-)…. – was that many of the Northern players don’t see themselves as Irish. Like it or not, that’s the reason….
Mattoid, of course they see themselves as Irish, but not of the Republic. They also believe, as I do, that the Irish Rugby team represents Irish nation as a whole and not just the Republic.
Well they sure as hell aren’t going to see themselves as English, Scottish or Welsh! The point is they don’t feel represented by Amhran na bhFiann, and that applies as much to the fans as the players.
Murray is mad for them box kicks. Can’t really see the point in giving up possession. Am I missing something?
Sooner the better we realise Ireland are not as good as we all think. Their an average team have been for last 3 years
Not too bright are ye Thomas? Average yet they’ve beaten top rugby teams like France, south Africa, Australia and Wales over the same 3 year period. Not bad when rugby is very much a 3rd sport in Ireland – GAA and Soccer being the most played.
Fair play to Trimble with the token try at the end – best looking scoreline in a long while for Ireland!
Token?
Higgins would make a better scrum half than murray !!
Feargal you are a loser.
TP;Toilet Paper…I have to go soon, enjoy :D