Zlatan Ibrahimovic Fined and Banned for Three Games
Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been banned for three games and fined by the English Football Association.
Manchester United have lost their star striker for the next three games after Ibrahimovic’s violent misconduct in their recent game against Bournemouth, where Tyrone Mings got into it with the Swedish attacker.
After a controversial stamp on Ibrahimovic, Mings lined up to defend a corner for his team, when the striker delivered a nasty elbow to the head of the Bournemouth attacker. Many criticized both players for this, saying they both should have gotten red cards and sent off for each of their respective instances. Despite this, both players received yellow cards.
A five-match ban was handed to Mings as well, however, he will appeal this ruling. Ibrahimovic will not appeal his ruling and has accepted his charges.
The question does remain: How will the absence affect Manchester United over these next three games?
If Mourinho makes some changes in the lineup, like Martial at striker, then there will still be hope for the Reds. Of course, Zlatan was not the whole team and still is not, so this isn’t the end of the world for United.
This may, however, impact United in the long run, as Zlatan was the team’s top scorer. Without him, the team could see a decrease in goals, as well as more draws and losses resulting from that. With the loss of form, what little hopes of a top four finish Manchester United may have had left, are all but gone now.
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Manchester United’s next three domestic games are against league leaders Chelsea, Middlesborough and West Bromwich Albion. The match against Chelsea in the FA Cup will be crucial if United want to see themselves push for a second trophy. The matches against Middlesborough and West Brom will also be pivotal for the push for the top 4 and a Champions League spot.