“GIVING UP IS NOT AN OPTION”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has spoken out for the first time since his injury with a post on Instagram. The post even had the trademark Zlatan arrogance. The caption read: “First of all, thank you for all the support and love. It’s no news that I got injured so I will be out of football for a while. I will go through this like everything else and comeback even stronger. So far I played with one leg so it shouldn’t be a problem. One thing is for sure, I decide when it’s time to stop and nothing else. Giving up is not an option. See you soon.”
PFA MERIT AWARD
Manchester United legend David Beckham was awarded the PFA Merit Award last night for his contribution to English football. He is the second player to have played for Manchester United to have won the prestigious award, the other being Ryan Giggs last season. The award was truly deserved for a man with 115 England caps and 14 honours with United.
STILL PAYING FOR TONY
Manchester United are set to pay Monaco a further £8.5m as Anthony Martial has reached a grand total of 25 goals in all competitions. Monaco are due another £10m should Martial make 25 appearances for France or be nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
POGBA OUT?
Manchester United have suffered yet another injury setback with Paul Pogba hobbling off during the win over Burnley. The seriousness of the injury is as of yet unknown and he is facing a race against time in order to be fit for the fourth place shootout against Man City. In his post-match presser, Mourinho said: “I don’t know for sure, if he’s injured or if it’s just the super accumulation of fatigue in the muscles, I don’t know. But as I was saying, if he cannot play Thursday he cannot play Thursday, we play another one and we don’t cry, like we didn’t today.”
Pogba was among the two players, along with Eric Bailly, to start against Burnley after playing the full 90 minutes against Chelsea and the 120 against Anderlecht.
Ander Herrera too was seen hobbling around late on but he is expected to be okay for City.
GRIEZMANN UPDATE
Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann’s advisor Eric Olhats has once again reacted to transfer speculation linking the Frenchman to Manchester United and Real Madrid. Speaking to the media, Olhats said: “There is an existing €100m clause, which is unavoidable. We are thinking right now about the most suitable offer. Real Madrid and other clubs are part of this thinking process.” Olhats also revealed that United met with representatives and spoke about their ‘project’ while trying to convince the in form Frenchman to sign.
Meanwhile, Griezmann stormed out of a press conference after being asked about his future.
VALENCIA UPDATE
Antonio Valencia has given Manchester United a fitness boost after missing the game against Burnley due to an undisclosed issue. The issue is said to be a calf strain. The in form right-back posted a video of him in the gym. This came after Mourinho revealed that Valencia had some problems and might not play every game.
HAPPY NOW?
Manchester United manager revelled in Anthony Martial’s brilliant performance against Burnley. Martial scored one and set up another as United stepped up their Champions League battle and closed the gap to the top four. Speaking to the press after the victory, Mourinho said: “”Yes, of course, it was very good. Very good with the ball, without the ball in the middle of two strong central defenders. Without anyone just behind him, he was quite distant from our midfielders. He did very well.”