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Football

21st Apr 2017

Manchester United fans know who they want to replace crocked Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Sorry Wayne

Patrick McCarry

In a season of promise, draws, redemption, draws, public criticism, redemption and more draws, is there time for one more under-performing star to get it right?

Anyone that caught the freeze-frame image of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s hyper-extended knee will have expected grim injury news to follow. This afternoon, it duly did.

The Swedish striker has reportedly strained two ligaments in the same knee and is not likely to feature again this season. Ibrahimovic will join Juan Mata, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling on the sidelines. None of the quartet are expected to return.

It is fortunate for United, then, that the likes of Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are stepping up with important contributions and goals. Hell, even Ander Herrera has discovered the goalscoring touch.

Ibrahimovic’s loss will be keenly felt in the league and European run-in, though, so it is no surprise to see a host of United fans calling for the recall of one man – Anthony Martial.

Seven goals and four assists in 33 games [22 starts] has been the 21-year-old’s modest return this season, a season in which Jose Mourinho has criticised his work-rate and attitude.

Still, with nine [possibly 10] games left this season, there is plenty of time to follow in Marcus Rashford’s steps and get back into Mourinho’s good graces.

Get praying

Do or f**king die

Making the mo(i)st of a bad situation

Silver lining

Don’t forget Wayne…