´Significant ligament damage´ set to end Ibrahimovic´s season

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is unlikely to play again this season after suffering a serious knee injury during Manchester United’s win against Anderlecht in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Boss Jose Mourinho said immediately after Thursday’s second leg – which United won 2-1 in extra-time to progress to the semis – that the injury looked “bad” and the Swede faces an extended spell on the sidelines.

Ibrahimovic appeared to jar his knee when he landed awkwardly after making an aerial challenge and hobbled down the Old Trafford tunnel with the help of a member of the club’s medical staff. 

A United statement released on Saturday said Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo – who was also injured against Anderlecht – suffered “significant knee ligament damage” and will require further assessments in the coming days.

The injuries will likely keep the pair out of what promises to be a fascinating climax to the season for United, as they bid to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League or finishing in the Premier League’s top four.

Mourinho’s men face Celta Vigo across two legs in their continental semi-final, while Burnley are next up in the league on Sunday, ahead of a derby clash with Manchester City on Thursday.

Ibrahimovic, 35, has scored 28 goals in all competitions since signing for United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last July. He initially agreed a 12-month deal, with the option of an additional year. 

Ibrahimovic has not formally penned an extended contract, but has hinted it will happen.