ZLAT’S YER LOT
Ibra career could be over
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC’S Manchester United career is in ruins after being ruled out for nine months.
The Swede has been left devastated after it was confirmed he has suffered serious damage to his right knee.
It now looks like the 35-year-old has made his last appearance for United – and there are also fears it could be a career-ending injury.
It is a catastrophic blow for Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho, who is looking to win the Europa League and seal a top-four finish for Champions League qualification.
Ibrahimovic broke down during the Europa League win over Anderlecht on Thursday night, which set up a semi-final against Celta Vigo.
The striker landed awkwardly after jumping for a ball and collapsed in a heap before heading straight to the dressing room.
He had a series of extensive scans yesterday before United’s worst fears were confirmed when he was told he had ruptured ligaments.
Ibrahimovic will have an operation in the next 24 hours and has been told it will take nine months to recover.
He will now miss the first half of next season, throwing Mourinho’s summer transfer plans into chaos.
The United boss had been banking on Ibrahimovic triggering a 12-month
=@E8C1 =i`\e[j 8i\eX# JkfZb_fcd# DXp )+ extension to his contract and staying at the club next season.
But Mourinho is now unlikely to wait for him and will turn his attentions to signing a top-class replacement.
He has targeted Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann but will now step up his bid to beat Chelsea to the signing of Everton’s Romelu Lukaku.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane remains a long-term target of Mourinho’s but United bosses believe he will not be sold this summer and that Lukaku is a more realistic option.
United are also waiting to find out the extent of the knee injury suffered by Marcos Rojo in the win over Anderlecht.
Sources have suggested the Argentine defender has damaged medial ligaments and could be out for a month.
United got a favourable draw in the Europa League after landing a semi-final against Celta Vigo. The Spanish outfit, who sit mid-table in La Liga, are regarded as the weakest team left in the competition.
In the Champions League semis, Real Madrid face city rivals Atletico and Monaco take on Juventus. The first legs will be played on May 2 and 3, with the returns the following week.
So how about this year’s ties? It’s a tough one but I’m going to let my heart rule my head here: Spurs to beat Chelsea 2-1 and 1-0 to Man City against Arsenal. That’s my bet of the day a Dramatic Double at 114/1!
There’s some fascinating relegation battles going on in the Premier League this afternoon. For my Razor Sharp Treble, I fancy Swansea to beat Stoke, Hull to edge Watford and Bournemouth to defeat Boro – at 7/1. That’ll put Boro right in it.
Harry Redknapp’s back in management with Birmingham and he’s got a massive first game tomorrow – Villa away. I’d love to see the Blues win it so that’s my longshot at 16/5. C’mon Harry!