RVP suffers horrific eye injurySeems like his eye is permanantly damaged and his career is over. What a player he is!!! So sadning to hear this
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Van Persie suffers gruesome eye injury in Fenerbahce match
Robin van Persie suffered a grim eye injury during Fenerbahce's 3-1 victory over Akhisar Belediyespor on Sunday.
The former Manchester United striker opened the scoring for his side in Turkey before sustaining the problem in an accidental clash with an opposition player in the first half.
Van Persie's face was covered in blood as he was carried off the field before being taken away from the Manisa 19 Mayis Stadium in an ambulance.
However, fears of any permanent damage were quashed as images emerged on Twitter of Van Persie arriving back the stadium to watch the rest of the match after being treated.
Fenerbahce's team doctor, John Kunduracioglu, has said there is nothing to worry about with the 33-year-old attacker, stating he is in good condition despite wearing an eye patch.
"Van Persie received a blow to his eye, it was torn and bleeding," told Fanatik.
"After investigating, we sent him to an ophthalmologist at the hopsital for further checks. We learned that nothing serious has happened, so the situation is good.
"We had to wait for an ambulance. If the injury had been more serious, the situation could have been worse."Van Persie has endured an injury-plagued start to the new campaign, but has still managed to score three league goals in seven appearances for Fenerbahce.
RVP ge eye injury news 1kata dakkata passe mamath hena awl broRVP suffers horrific eye injury
But RVP update 1kak deela thiyanawa Eye 1kata damage 1kak wela naha kiyala.So he will be back soon
Get well soon RVP------------------------------------------
Van Persie calms fears after horror eye injury
Robin van Persie has sought to calm the fears of worried fans after suffering a horrific eye injury on Sunday.The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker took an accidental blow to the head during Fenerbahce’s meeting with Akhisar Belediyespor, leading to him being stretchered off the pitch.
With blood pouring down his face, the 33-year-old was taken to hospital.He was able to return to the stadium after receiving treatment, but the severity of the problem remained unclear.
Van Persie’s dedication to his profession is to be admired, with the experienced frontman already looking ahead to an eagerly-anticipated clash with Galatasaray after the international break.
Ronaldo not considering Portugal retirement
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is not thinking about retiring from international football after signing a new five-year contract at Real Madrid.Ronaldo is his country's most-capped and highest-scoring player and was part of a Portugal side that won a first major trophy at Euro 2016 in July.
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner is now tied to Madrid until he is 36 years old, but he is not giving any consideration to placing his sole focus on club football.
"After what happened at the Euro I sent out a clear message. I think that Portugal deserved to win the title," Ronaldo said at an event to commemorate his new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu."Ever since I was 18 I've been playing for Portugal and since I was named captain I've taken Portugal to new heights. No, I'm not contemplating early retirement from the national team."
Ronaldo is Madrid's all-time leading scorer with 371 goals and is often pitted against Lionel Messi in debates regarding the best player in the modern era.
After Messi scored his 500th Barcelona goal in a 2-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, the Portuguese claimed he is not overwhelmed by a desire to match the feat in the Spanish capital."Things happen naturally. I never thought about beating Raul's record. Five hundred goals? It's possible, but I'm not obsessed with it," said Ronaldo.
"The most important thing is to win titles with the team. Goals are good of course and the season is long, there's the Copa, there's the Champions League, LaLiga.
"That ambition is still there, the desire to become a better player is there and I'm happy here. There is more and better to come."
Having also helped Madrid to the Champions League trophy in 2016, Ronaldo has been tipped as a heavy favourite for a fourth Ballon d'Or this year.However, the 31-year-old reiterated that collective accolades are more important to him."To win the European Championship and get this contract, it's already a dream year," said Ronaldo.
"I don't vote [for the Ballon d'Or] so I don't get to decide, but I'm overjoyed looking back at the last year. I'm not obsessed with the award. Team awards are important."
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is not thinking about retiring from international football after signing a new five-year contract at Real Madrid.Ronaldo is his country's most-capped and highest-scoring player and was part of a Portugal side that won a first major trophy at Euro 2016 in July.
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner is now tied to Madrid until he is 36 years old, but he is not giving any consideration to placing his sole focus on club football.
"After what happened at the Euro I sent out a clear message. I think that Portugal deserved to win the title," Ronaldo said at an event to commemorate his new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu."Ever since I was 18 I've been playing for Portugal and since I was named captain I've taken Portugal to new heights. No, I'm not contemplating early retirement from the national team."
Ronaldo is Madrid's all-time leading scorer with 371 goals and is often pitted against Lionel Messi in debates regarding the best player in the modern era.
After Messi scored his 500th Barcelona goal in a 2-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, the Portuguese claimed he is not overwhelmed by a desire to match the feat in the Spanish capital."Things happen naturally. I never thought about beating Raul's record. Five hundred goals? It's possible, but I'm not obsessed with it," said Ronaldo.
"The most important thing is to win titles with the team. Goals are good of course and the season is long, there's the Copa, there's the Champions League, LaLiga.
"That ambition is still there, the desire to become a better player is there and I'm happy here. There is more and better to come."
Having also helped Madrid to the Champions League trophy in 2016, Ronaldo has been tipped as a heavy favourite for a fourth Ballon d'Or this year.However, the 31-year-old reiterated that collective accolades are more important to him."To win the European Championship and get this contract, it's already a dream year," said Ronaldo.
"I don't vote [for the Ballon d'Or] so I don't get to decide, but I'm overjoyed looking back at the last year. I'm not obsessed with the award. Team awards are important."
Ibrahimovic apologises to Man Utd fans for missing Arsenal game
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has issued an apology to Manchester United fans after he was ruled out of the Premier League meeting with Arsenal on November 19.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker picked up his fifth yellow card of the season at Swansea City on Sunday, meaning he will have to serve a one-match ban and miss the clash at Old Trafford.
Ibrahimovic was back on the scoresheet in Wales as he twice found the net - his first goals in the league since the derby defeat to Manchester City back in September.And he has now admitted his disappointment at not being involved in the game against Arsene Wenger's side.
He told MUTV: "You know what? Every time I try to play my game by being strong, and going into the tackles, or whatever it is, I get a yellow card. I don't know what the explanation was because I think I was too tired and I didn't hear him [the referee].
"It is what it is. In England, the football is hard, it's physical. I just have to accept it. I've got to be professional. I'm sorry I am suspended for the next game. I wish I wasn't as it's a game I really wanted to play in. But I have trust in my team-mates and the team and I know they can do fine also without me."Ibrahimovic's double against Swansea saw him enhance his Premier League goal tally to six following his summer move from Ligue 1 champions PSG.
Wayne Rooney set up both of Ibrahimovic's goals against Swansea and therefore is in line to fill in for his team-mate up top against Arsenal after the international break.Manager Jose Mourinho also has Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as potential options up front.
United's victory over Swansea was their first league win since downing Leicester City 4-1 in September, moving them up to sixth in the league table.Arsenal, on the flip side, are unbeaten in their last 16 games in all competitions and sit fourth in the standings, six points ahead of Mourinho's charges.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has issued an apology to Manchester United fans after he was ruled out of the Premier League meeting with Arsenal on November 19.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker picked up his fifth yellow card of the season at Swansea City on Sunday, meaning he will have to serve a one-match ban and miss the clash at Old Trafford.
Ibrahimovic was back on the scoresheet in Wales as he twice found the net - his first goals in the league since the derby defeat to Manchester City back in September.And he has now admitted his disappointment at not being involved in the game against Arsene Wenger's side.
He told MUTV: "You know what? Every time I try to play my game by being strong, and going into the tackles, or whatever it is, I get a yellow card. I don't know what the explanation was because I think I was too tired and I didn't hear him [the referee].
"It is what it is. In England, the football is hard, it's physical. I just have to accept it. I've got to be professional. I'm sorry I am suspended for the next game. I wish I wasn't as it's a game I really wanted to play in. But I have trust in my team-mates and the team and I know they can do fine also without me."Ibrahimovic's double against Swansea saw him enhance his Premier League goal tally to six following his summer move from Ligue 1 champions PSG.
Wayne Rooney set up both of Ibrahimovic's goals against Swansea and therefore is in line to fill in for his team-mate up top against Arsenal after the international break.Manager Jose Mourinho also has Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as potential options up front.
United's victory over Swansea was their first league win since downing Leicester City 4-1 in September, moving them up to sixth in the league table.Arsenal, on the flip side, are unbeaten in their last 16 games in all competitions and sit fourth in the standings, six points ahead of Mourinho's charges.
Mane and Coutinho lead Premier League creativity chart
As Premier League title-challenging markers go, Liverpool's 6-1 mauling of Watford on Sunday is among the more impressive.
The Reds were unplayable at times in front of their own supporters, with the Anfield faithful lapping up a dominant display which epitomised what Jurgen Klopp’s side are all about.Attacking verve, pace, movement, opportunities aplenty - not to mention the six goals - the red half of Merseyside really is rocking at the moment.
They have every reason to be buoyant as well, with a demolition job on the Hornets lifting Liverpool to the top of the table.
It was a near-perfect display from Klopp’s troops, with his creative talents illuminating what looked to be a tricky test on paper.Sadio Mane helped himself to another two goals, while Philippe Coutinho was also on target and collected another assist.
The Senegal and Brazil internationals are causing opponents nightmares at present, with 11 Premier League goals and seven assists between them.
The statistic above suggests that return could have been even greater as well, with the dynamic duo showing themselves to be the Premier League’s most difficult playmaking threat to contain.
As Premier League title-challenging markers go, Liverpool's 6-1 mauling of Watford on Sunday is among the more impressive.
The Reds were unplayable at times in front of their own supporters, with the Anfield faithful lapping up a dominant display which epitomised what Jurgen Klopp’s side are all about.Attacking verve, pace, movement, opportunities aplenty - not to mention the six goals - the red half of Merseyside really is rocking at the moment.
They have every reason to be buoyant as well, with a demolition job on the Hornets lifting Liverpool to the top of the table.
It was a near-perfect display from Klopp’s troops, with his creative talents illuminating what looked to be a tricky test on paper.Sadio Mane helped himself to another two goals, while Philippe Coutinho was also on target and collected another assist.
The Senegal and Brazil internationals are causing opponents nightmares at present, with 11 Premier League goals and seven assists between them.
The statistic above suggests that return could have been even greater as well, with the dynamic duo showing themselves to be the Premier League’s most difficult playmaking threat to contain.
'Mourinho wants Smalling & Shaw out of Man Utd'
Jose Mourinho is attempting to force Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw out of Manchester United, according to former Celtic striker Andy Walker.
The pair were absent from Sunday's 3-1 win over Swansea City, with Jose Mourinho telling MUTV before the game that both informed him they were not fit enough to play, before adding afterward that his squad must "put their bodies on the line".
Walker feels Mourinho's post-match comments were unsubtle messages to the pair and hint at his displeasure at their commitment after years of working with battle-hardened defenders.
"Look at the players he's used to working with. John Terry, [Frank] Lampard, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, you can tell these guys are playing through the pain barriers," he told Sky Sports.
"I think what it does tell you is he cannot trust Luke Shaw, he cannot trust Chris Smalling. When a big game comes along they won't be considered, because he's clearly trying to get them out of the club I think.
"Nobody is advocating that you have a hamstring injury and try to play through it. But the mentality to play with a knock or play with something uncomfortable, how many times has John Terry played through that under Mourinho?
"He's looking for a certain type of player. Remember, it's early days in Jose's tenure as manager, he's just trying to shape the squad, and these transfer windows only come around twice a year, and I don't think he can trust Smalling or Shaw given his comments."
Ozil: Ronaldo is the greatest & made me a better player
Mesut Ozil has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as "one of the greatest in history" and says his ability made the German a better player.
The Real Madrid star, and favourite to win this year's Ballon d'Or after winning both the Champions League and Euro 2016, recommitted to Los Blancos on Monday by extending his link with the club until 2021.
Ozil played alongside Ronaldo during three years at Santiago Bernabeu, detailing his superior dedication before joking how he helped the Portuguese shine with his assists.
"I've never seen someone like him," he told Arsenal's YouTube channel. "He's the first in the dressing room and the last out. He's very professional and always wants to fight, even in the training sessions.
"I really enjoyed playing with him, he made me better on the pitch. He's a good guy and a good friend. Of course, I gave him a lot of assists! If I gave him two assists, he would score twice."He is an amazing player. One of the greatest in the world and in history."
Mesut Ozil has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as "one of the greatest in history" and says his ability made the German a better player.
The Real Madrid star, and favourite to win this year's Ballon d'Or after winning both the Champions League and Euro 2016, recommitted to Los Blancos on Monday by extending his link with the club until 2021.
Ozil played alongside Ronaldo during three years at Santiago Bernabeu, detailing his superior dedication before joking how he helped the Portuguese shine with his assists.
"I've never seen someone like him," he told Arsenal's YouTube channel. "He's the first in the dressing room and the last out. He's very professional and always wants to fight, even in the training sessions.
"I really enjoyed playing with him, he made me better on the pitch. He's a good guy and a good friend. Of course, I gave him a lot of assists! If I gave him two assists, he would score twice."He is an amazing player. One of the greatest in the world and in history."
'Arsenal had £80m Aubameyang offer rejected'
Borussia Dortmund turned down an £80 million bid from Arsenal for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer, according to Italian agent Vincenzo Morabito.
The Gabon international scored 39 goals for Dortmund last season and was widely linked with a move away from Westfalenstadion, with Real Madrid his preferred destination.
Morabito made enquiries into Aubameyang's availability on behalf of Napoli, whose £76 million sale of Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus left the Serie A side on the hunt for a forward.
And though interest in the Dortmund striker was high, the Bundesliga club were unwilling to entertain it, even turning down a mega offer from Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.
"Sometime ago, I called Michael Zorc, Dortmund’s director of football, to talk about Aubameyang [on behalf of Napoli]," He said to Italian station Radio CRC. "But the ‘no’ was absolutely categorical."I know that this summer, Arsenal offered €90m (£80m) for Aubameyang, but Borussia didn’t want to hear anything about it."
A club suspension for "internal reasons" resulted in Aubameyang sitting out the Champions League win over Sporting, but he returned to score four goals in Dortmund's 5-2 victory over Hamburg on Saturday, taking this season's goal tally to 14 in 14 games in all competitions.
Borussia Dortmund turned down an £80 million bid from Arsenal for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer, according to Italian agent Vincenzo Morabito.
The Gabon international scored 39 goals for Dortmund last season and was widely linked with a move away from Westfalenstadion, with Real Madrid his preferred destination.
Morabito made enquiries into Aubameyang's availability on behalf of Napoli, whose £76 million sale of Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus left the Serie A side on the hunt for a forward.
And though interest in the Dortmund striker was high, the Bundesliga club were unwilling to entertain it, even turning down a mega offer from Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.
"Sometime ago, I called Michael Zorc, Dortmund’s director of football, to talk about Aubameyang [on behalf of Napoli]," He said to Italian station Radio CRC. "But the ‘no’ was absolutely categorical."I know that this summer, Arsenal offered €90m (£80m) for Aubameyang, but Borussia didn’t want to hear anything about it."
A club suspension for "internal reasons" resulted in Aubameyang sitting out the Champions League win over Sporting, but he returned to score four goals in Dortmund's 5-2 victory over Hamburg on Saturday, taking this season's goal tally to 14 in 14 games in all competitions.
30 years on, how will Man Utd ever replace irreplaceable Sir Alex?
For much of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year reign as manager, Manchester United fans thought they realised the full effect of the great man’s powers. They believed that they grasped the exact impact which he had on a football club, that nobody knew better than the people who watched his teams week after week just what he meant to their club.
When Ferguson led United for the first time 30 years ago today on Saturday, November 8, 1986 the Red Devils headed to Oxford United’s dilapidated Manor Ground sitting in 19th place in the Today League Division One and would end the day in the bottom three after a chastening 2-0 defeat.
What followed over the next quarter of a century was the construction of a dynasty with the Scot’s fingerprints all over the progression from top to bottom within the football club. He didn’t just make the team successful, he made a behemoth of the organisation.Helped by the new technological phase of modern football and the money era of the Premier League, Ferguson took United to heights previously unheard of. Thirteen league titles, two European crowns, and 23 other major trophies came through the door, but more than that a whole new audience was reached, an unparalleled level of professionalism was targeted and attained, a thirst for success and a mentality that promoted the needs of the group over all else permeated through everything.
No one man is bigger than a club, they say. Yet Ferguson made the club what it is in its modern context, and never has that been more apparent than during the three-and-a-half years since May 8, 2013 when it was confirmed that the most successful manager in British football history would finally head for retirement.
Over the time between then and now, there have been the arrivals and subsequent departures of David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, plus the departures of names in the playing staff which seemed intrinsically linked with Ferguson’s United. Paul Scholes, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie and latterly Ryan Giggs have all made their departures from Old Trafford since Sir Alex swapped the dug-out for the directors’ box.
And it feels a lot like Manchester United are still learning how to cope with a world without Ferguson’s hand at the tiller. Even with Jose Mourinho, a man who has won everywhere he has been, United look a rapidly-fading shadow of the club they were just a few short years ago.
Not only have United not added to the record haul of league titles won under Ferguson since 2013, they have not even challenged for one. Whereas the legendary boss never finished outside the top three in his 21 Premier League seasons in charge, United haven’t tallied anything better than fourth since his departure. And the early signs under Mourinho don’t speak of a rapid improvement taking place any time soon.
In truth, Ferguson’s legacy grows with each setback suffered by his successors.When United won the FA Cup at Wembley in May triumphant boss Van Gaal was booed by the majority of the fans in attendance due to the slide the club had taken in the Premier League and on the continent. Conversely, shots of Sir Alex in the VIP area were cheered heartily. Not only do United supporters never forget their heroes, and none less so than Ferguson, they also seem to realise with greater clarity with each passing day just how different life is without him at the helm. They are not ones to suffer fools gladly, and in that sense they learned from the best.
Thirty years ago Ferguson’s arrival was secondary news behind the departure of Ron Atkinson, the flamboyant outgoing boss’ sacking setting tongues wagging at twice the pace of the appointment of a man who had never managed outside of Scotland. But these days it is the managerial master who casts the shadow over Mourinho, just as he did Moyes and Van Gaal. If the Portuguese feels greater pressure with each defeat than he has known elsewhere, it is because of the standards set by Ferguson. If he is expected to play a brand of football his players are struggling to produce, it is because Ferguson insisted that it was the only way to play.
It is not only Mourinho who feels the pressure, of course. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward gets the kind of scrutiny no predecessors ever experienced, with no Ferguson to fall back on. When the 74-year-old was in charge he oversaw everything, and football has changed markedly since his departure and Woodward's promotion coincided in 2013. Elsewhere, the collective breath taken when the great man retired has led to a drop in standards which might never be reversed.
Ferguson will be hurting more than anyone at the difficulties that United find themselves going through currently, but it is a pain everyone associated with the club will feel until they can find another leader with the same steel and focus he carried. In the meantime, the spectre of Sir Alex will continue to loom large.How do you replace the irreplaceable?
Courtois: I'm not leaving Chelsea for Madrid
Thibaut Courtois has rejected suggestions he could quit Chelsea in favour of a move to Atletico or Real Madrid, insisting he is happy at Stamford Bridge.
The Belgium international joined Chelsea from Genk in 2011 and spent three seasons on loan at Atletico, where he impressed for three seasons, winning the league title, Copa del Rey and Europa League under Diego Simeone's leadership.
The Rojiblancos hoped to secure the Belgium international on a permanent deal, but his form had convinced Chelsea of his quality and he returned to London in 2014 and quickly established himself as first-choice goalkeeper, ousting long-term number one Petr Cech in the process.Courtois is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football despite being just 24 and has been linked with both Madrid clubs in recent months.
Despite previously suggesting he could return to Spain before the end of his career and still feels “love” from Atletico, he maintains that his immediate future remains in the Premier League.
"I'm happy at Chelsea," he said in an interview with The Partidazo COPE. "There is no reason not to be happy at Chelsea."I never talked about a possible [Atletico] return. They are rumours coming out of nothing."I never had anything with Real Madrid [either]. I have not seen anything published, but never had any contact with Real Madrid.
"No one knows what may happen in the future, but now I'm fine."The 24-year-old has gone on to win one Premier League title which Chelsea and has been pivotal in their rise up the table this season. Courtois is currently in the best form of his career, having kept a clean sheet in each of his last five games for Antonio Conte’s side and is currently contracted to the club until 2019.
Thibaut Courtois has rejected suggestions he could quit Chelsea in favour of a move to Atletico or Real Madrid, insisting he is happy at Stamford Bridge.
The Belgium international joined Chelsea from Genk in 2011 and spent three seasons on loan at Atletico, where he impressed for three seasons, winning the league title, Copa del Rey and Europa League under Diego Simeone's leadership.
The Rojiblancos hoped to secure the Belgium international on a permanent deal, but his form had convinced Chelsea of his quality and he returned to London in 2014 and quickly established himself as first-choice goalkeeper, ousting long-term number one Petr Cech in the process.Courtois is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football despite being just 24 and has been linked with both Madrid clubs in recent months.
Despite previously suggesting he could return to Spain before the end of his career and still feels “love” from Atletico, he maintains that his immediate future remains in the Premier League.
"I'm happy at Chelsea," he said in an interview with The Partidazo COPE. "There is no reason not to be happy at Chelsea."I never talked about a possible [Atletico] return. They are rumours coming out of nothing."I never had anything with Real Madrid [either]. I have not seen anything published, but never had any contact with Real Madrid.
"No one knows what may happen in the future, but now I'm fine."The 24-year-old has gone on to win one Premier League title which Chelsea and has been pivotal in their rise up the table this season. Courtois is currently in the best form of his career, having kept a clean sheet in each of his last five games for Antonio Conte’s side and is currently contracted to the club until 2019.
Ibrahimovic: Man Utd will achieve big things once we click
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is confident Manchester United will achieve "big things" when Jose Mourinho's squad "click" into gear.
Prior to Sunday's 3-1 victory over Swansea City, United had gone four games without victory in the Premier League to slip away from the top four.
There was also a disappointing display in the Europa League, as they were beaten 2-1 by Fenerbahce - a result that leaves them far from certain of progressing from the group stage.
The victory at the Liberty Stadium lifted some of the pressure that has been weighing down on the United squad and Ibrahimovic in particular, the former Sweden international ending his seven-game run without a goal by netting a first-half brace.And he is convinced United can produce similar displays in the future as the squad get to know each other better.
"We have a mix of ages - experienced players, young players, the quality is there," he told Inside United magazine. "I think we can achieve big things. "I said after the Liverpool game and I said it before that we just need to find the 'click' where we find each other.
"Every day that goes by, the more you get to know each other and it becomes like a family. You know what you need - I know what I need to do to get the maximum out of my team-mates and the same thing on the other side, they know what they need to bring that out of me. "The pieces are there, we just need to put the puzzle together."It will click. We just wait for the moment when everything is clicking among each other, not only inside the pitch, but outside it. I don't say things are bad because things are good.
"We've been a little unlucky in certain games but we believe and, when you believe, it will come. I like to train hard, that's my philosophy. If you train hard, you get what you want to get. Hard work pays back, according to me."
Speaking of his own worrying form, Ibrahimovic acknowledged he could have done more as he settled into life in England.He added: "I think I could have scored a couple more goals than I have done - I missed pretty good chances which I didn't see myself doing. But it's a different game here."With my performance, I am happy. I know I can do more, I know the team can do more and I want to do more and I will do more."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is confident Manchester United will achieve "big things" when Jose Mourinho's squad "click" into gear.
Prior to Sunday's 3-1 victory over Swansea City, United had gone four games without victory in the Premier League to slip away from the top four.
There was also a disappointing display in the Europa League, as they were beaten 2-1 by Fenerbahce - a result that leaves them far from certain of progressing from the group stage.
The victory at the Liberty Stadium lifted some of the pressure that has been weighing down on the United squad and Ibrahimovic in particular, the former Sweden international ending his seven-game run without a goal by netting a first-half brace.And he is convinced United can produce similar displays in the future as the squad get to know each other better.
"We have a mix of ages - experienced players, young players, the quality is there," he told Inside United magazine. "I think we can achieve big things. "I said after the Liverpool game and I said it before that we just need to find the 'click' where we find each other.
"Every day that goes by, the more you get to know each other and it becomes like a family. You know what you need - I know what I need to do to get the maximum out of my team-mates and the same thing on the other side, they know what they need to bring that out of me. "The pieces are there, we just need to put the puzzle together."It will click. We just wait for the moment when everything is clicking among each other, not only inside the pitch, but outside it. I don't say things are bad because things are good.
"We've been a little unlucky in certain games but we believe and, when you believe, it will come. I like to train hard, that's my philosophy. If you train hard, you get what you want to get. Hard work pays back, according to me."
Speaking of his own worrying form, Ibrahimovic acknowledged he could have done more as he settled into life in England.He added: "I think I could have scored a couple more goals than I have done - I missed pretty good chances which I didn't see myself doing. But it's a different game here."With my performance, I am happy. I know I can do more, I know the team can do more and I want to do more and I will do more."
Mourinho totally wrong to make Man Utd scapegoats of Shaw and Smalling
It is not the first time this season that Luke Shaw has come in for criticism from Jose Mourinho, but at least this time he is sharing the public spotlight with Chris Smalling after the pair’s commitment to the cause was called into question by the Manchester United manager on Sunday.
“Smalling doesn’t feel that he can play at 100 per cent with his pain. Shaw told me this morning that he was not able to play,” Mourinho claimed ahead of the 3-1 win over Swansea City. “For the team, you have to do anything.”
It was a clear broadside against the England pair, and it didn’t stop there as the Portuguese went on to claim the could easily have played had they had the mentality to do so.
His then blatantly compared the sensibilities of Shaw and Smalling with those of Phil Jones, who was playing his first senior game in 10 months, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose fifth yellow card of the season he put down to his 100% commitment to the cause.
It is easy to understand why Mourinho would feel disappointed by the absence of Smalling, in particular given his lack of centre-back options. Jones lined up alongside Marcos Rojo – a man who prefers to play centrally but the manager has constantly referred to as a left-back and would not consider in the heart of the defence in a best case scenario.
But his decision to castigate the duo in public has to be questioned, particularly in the case of Shaw. Not only did his claim that the former Southampton full-back had broken the news on the morning of the game when it appears Shaw had not even travelled with the team, but the scapegoating of a player still recovering physically, mentally and emotionally from a devastating broken leg deserves further scrutiny.
As written in the build-up to Sunday’s fixture, too much should not be expected of Shaw at this time as he becomes familiar with the demands of top football once again. United undoubtedly need more from the left-back position than Shaw has been able to give to this point, but to publicly undermine the player’s psychological recovery is seemingly a rather harsh route to take.
He has already attracted the wrath of Mourinho following the 3-1 loss to Watford due to his lack of positioning, and a second blast would appear no more likely to garner the desired results. Many players coming back from such a horrific injury talk of overcoming the mental barrier after a clattering challenge is overcome and the mind understands finally that the body is resilient. Perhaps this will be the case with Shaw too.
Smalling, meanwhile, has missed the last four matches with a niggling injury which saw him depart the 4-1 home win over Fenerbahce at half-time. Although he subsequently played in the 4-0 loss to Chelsea, his performance attracted significant criticism as he looked well short of sharpness and he has not played since.
He, too, can be forgiven for wanting to be better prepared for football before committing himself to the cause. Given his abysmal showing at Stamford Bridge, he probably believed he would be doing more for Manchester United by staying out of the firing line than throwing himself in too soon.
Mourinho’s subsequent criticism has apparently left both Smalling and Shaw scratching their heads, while their England manager Gareth Southgate has come out in defence of the pair.
“Chris hasn’t played for quite a while and Luke has played but we’ve known he’s had ongoing difficulties coming back from a very serious injury,” said the interim national boss.“Our medical teams - as with all the clubs - have been liaising very closely throughout the week. The decision with Luke was a bit later but we’ve been aware both have been carrying injuries.
“There’s always a line for a player. I think players want to play, generally. In individual situations you need more information to be able to comment.“It totally depends on what the injury is - what part of the body, what are the ramifications...it’s a very individual thing.”
Mourinho obviously wants to be able to field the best Manchester United side he can at every opportunity, but eyebrows have rightly been raised by his behaviour in this case. Supporters will have arrived at the Liberty Stadium fearing the worst due to the construction of their makeshift back line, but it would have surely done nobody any favours for Smalling and Shaw to claim to be ready when they were not.
Managers rightly have concerns about how they are going to gain results without their best players, but the athletes themselves have the wider picture more centrally in their minds. They have their careers and livelihoods to consider every time they choose whether or not to play through the pain barrier.
Inna defendersla tikath nathi karaganna wadak meka
Fortune urges Manchester United to get Aubameyang
Quinton Fortune believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be a shrewd addition for Manchester United as the Borussia Dortmund striker possesses the qualities to ‘make a difference’.
The Red Devils have been lacking a certain spark at times this season, with those intended to provide inspiration often found wanting.
There have been glimpses of talismanic qualities from the likes of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but inconsistencies have blighted the respective games of two high-profile additions.
Club captain Wayne Rooney has also seen his value to the cause called into question on a regular basis, leading to him taking in an enforced spell on the bench.
He did look more like his old self prior to the international break, but whether that resurgence can be carried into the resumption of Premier League action remains to be seen.
If United are to continue producing more of a stumble than a sprint over the coming weeks, then further movement in the January transfer window can be expected.
Fortune feels a big-money approach for the much sought-after Aubameyang would make sense, with the 27-year-old forward boasting qualities in the final third that few others bring to the fold at Old Trafford.
"Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund, I like him,” the former South Africa international told MUTV.“Pace, scoring goals, that’s what we need but, obviously we have the young Marcus Rashford. If we are going to bring someone in that can make a difference, he can make a difference."
Aubameyang gave his pre-January profile another nudge over the weekend as he netted four times in a Bundesliga meeting with Hamburg.He now has 11 goals in his last nine outings and 14 in total across all competitions from just 13 appearances.
Interest in his services will be intense over the winter, but Dortmund hold all of the cards at present as they have the Gabon international tied to a contract that is due to run until 2020.
Quinton Fortune believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be a shrewd addition for Manchester United as the Borussia Dortmund striker possesses the qualities to ‘make a difference’.
The Red Devils have been lacking a certain spark at times this season, with those intended to provide inspiration often found wanting.
There have been glimpses of talismanic qualities from the likes of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but inconsistencies have blighted the respective games of two high-profile additions.
Club captain Wayne Rooney has also seen his value to the cause called into question on a regular basis, leading to him taking in an enforced spell on the bench.
He did look more like his old self prior to the international break, but whether that resurgence can be carried into the resumption of Premier League action remains to be seen.
If United are to continue producing more of a stumble than a sprint over the coming weeks, then further movement in the January transfer window can be expected.
Fortune feels a big-money approach for the much sought-after Aubameyang would make sense, with the 27-year-old forward boasting qualities in the final third that few others bring to the fold at Old Trafford.
"Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund, I like him,” the former South Africa international told MUTV.“Pace, scoring goals, that’s what we need but, obviously we have the young Marcus Rashford. If we are going to bring someone in that can make a difference, he can make a difference."
Aubameyang gave his pre-January profile another nudge over the weekend as he netted four times in a Bundesliga meeting with Hamburg.He now has 11 goals in his last nine outings and 14 in total across all competitions from just 13 appearances.
Interest in his services will be intense over the winter, but Dortmund hold all of the cards at present as they have the Gabon international tied to a contract that is due to run until 2020.
Inter appoint Pioli as De Boer successor
Inter have turned to former Lazio head coach Stefano Pioli as the man to turn their stuttering start to the season around.
The Nerazzurri sacked Frank de Boer last week following their 1-0 Serie A defeat to Sampdoria, the Dutchman having only overseen two wins from their previous eight matches in all competitions.Marcelino and Pioli were heavily linked to take over as De Boer's replacement, but it is the latter who has been tasked with reviving their fortunes.
Pioli, 51, has agreed a two-year contract at San Siro and will be presented to the media on Thursday before Inter for the first time in the Milan derby after the international break.
Inter become Pioli's 11th club, with his previous tenure at Lazio having seen him guide the club to third place in his first season, but his second campaign was not as prosperous and he was sacked in April after a 4-1 defeat to city rivals Roma.
Despite significant investment ahead of the 2016-17 season, Inter have struggled to live up to expectations with only five wins in 12 league matches. They currently sit 13 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus, and 12 ahead of bottom side Crotone, who they beat 3-0 on Sunday.The latest was a 3-0 victory over Crotone under the guidance of interim boss Stefano Vecchi, but that only lifted Inter into ninth position.
Hopes of a strong European campaign are also hanging in the balance as they sit bottom of Europa League Group K after three defeats in four matches.
Inter have turned to former Lazio head coach Stefano Pioli as the man to turn their stuttering start to the season around.
The Nerazzurri sacked Frank de Boer last week following their 1-0 Serie A defeat to Sampdoria, the Dutchman having only overseen two wins from their previous eight matches in all competitions.Marcelino and Pioli were heavily linked to take over as De Boer's replacement, but it is the latter who has been tasked with reviving their fortunes.
Pioli, 51, has agreed a two-year contract at San Siro and will be presented to the media on Thursday before Inter for the first time in the Milan derby after the international break.
Inter become Pioli's 11th club, with his previous tenure at Lazio having seen him guide the club to third place in his first season, but his second campaign was not as prosperous and he was sacked in April after a 4-1 defeat to city rivals Roma.
Despite significant investment ahead of the 2016-17 season, Inter have struggled to live up to expectations with only five wins in 12 league matches. They currently sit 13 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus, and 12 ahead of bottom side Crotone, who they beat 3-0 on Sunday.The latest was a 3-0 victory over Crotone under the guidance of interim boss Stefano Vecchi, but that only lifted Inter into ninth position.
Hopes of a strong European campaign are also hanging in the balance as they sit bottom of Europa League Group K after three defeats in four matches.
