The Transfer Tavern’s Manchester United patrons are fretting over how their season could implode in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
After elbowing Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings during a 1-1 draw in the Premier League last weekend – seemingly in retaliation for what appeared to be a shocking stamp from the Cherries defender – the towering Red Devils striker has accepted a three-match ban from the FA.
BREAKING: @ManUtd‘s @Ibra_official to serve three-match ban after accepting @FA charge of violent conduct. #SSNHQ
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) March 7, 2017
That will see him miss Premier League clashes with West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough, but perhaps most importantly an FA Cup tie with table-toppers Chelsea next Monday.
The Old Trafford outfit lifted the FA Cup last season as they beat Crystal Palace in the final at Wembley and with the Premier League title now seemingly beyond them this term, appear keen to retain the trophy for another year.
But that mission will be made much harder by Zlatan’s absence, having risen to the top of the club’s scoring charts this term with 26 goals across all competitions – including 15 in the Premier League.
So United supporters – both in the Tavern and online – are understandably concerned by how their side will cope when they meet the in-form west Londoners next week. Whilst some are fearing something just short of the Apocalypse, others reckon it could be a blessing in disguise.
Ibra ban could be blessing in disguise vs Chelsea. Need flexibility to disturb their defence, likes of Rash, Mkhi and Martial will do that.
— Sam Ludbrook (@SamLud94) March 7, 2017
Does Ibra’s ban affect the Chelsea game because if it does we are out
— F. La Jefa (@obegi_nixon) March 7, 2017
Need Rashford to step up in Ibra’s absence , Chelsea tie more of less over now
— Riddy (@Riddy94) March 7, 2017
Ibra will miss Chelsea game ? Damn we’re a bad luck champions.
— ALEX HUNTER (@MUTD010) March 7, 2017
Got to say the 3 games Zlatan missed could of been worse for us although I can still see us beating Chelsea with a 3 of Martial, Rash & Miki
— Pogba ‘s Hair Cut (@DaveTheGorilla) March 7, 2017
A trip to Chelsea without Zlatan
— pantherrix (@panther_rix) March 7, 2017
Zlatan wouldn’t have made a difference against Chelsea anyway ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
— Mariobhoy (@technotaco31) March 7, 2017
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s three-match ban is somehow a blessing in disguise to #MUFC
— Victor Jacob Jr. (@royalmastervic) March 7, 2017
Can United still beat Chelsea without Ibrahimovic, Red Devils fans? Let us know by commenting below!
