Surgery all that matters for Ibrahimovic - Mourinho realistic on United star's future

Jose Mourinho has refused to be drawn on the
future of Manchester United's top scorer Zlatan
Ibrahimovic.
The 35-year-old's impressive debut season in
England came to an abrupt halt when he ruptured
his anterior cruciate ligament in last week's Europa
League quarter-final victory over Anderlecht.
Ibrahimovic did not sign an extension to his one-
year Old Trafford deal when it was triggered earlier
in the season and his future is now in limbo as he
faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Mourinho has been linked with blockbusting moves
for the likes of Atletico Madrid's Antoine
Griezmann and Torino's Andrea Belotti in order to
bolster a forward line that has been overly reliant
on Ibrahimovic's 28 goals this season.
Asked by Sky Sports what lies in store for
Ibrahimovic, Mourinho said: "He is in America and
that's the only thing that matters now.
"He is in America to have the surgery and start the
recovery process."
"Giving up is not an
option." @Ibra_official is staying defiant
as he begins his road to recovery: https://
t.co/X04wFWcr3W
pic.twitter.com/20zFBwzWFp
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April
24, 2017
Matters closer to home will concern Mourinho and
the rest of his squad on Thursday when United
make the short trip to Manchester City in a crunch
Premier League derby clash.
Pep Guardiola's City are a point and a place above
United in fourth, meaning the outcome at the Etihad
Stadium could be crucial in terms of Champions
League qualification.
Guardiola once again praised his players in the
aftermath of a setback against Arsenal in Sunday's
FA Cup semi-final – an approach in contrast to
Mourinho's open criticism of Luke Shaw and
Anthony Martial this term.
But Martial and Shaw both starred in a 2-0 win
over Burnley last time out and the United boss
feels his management of his squad does not merit
undue scrutiny.
"It is not a psychological approach," Mourinho
added. "It is common sense. When you give
everything you have, I cannot demand more from
you.
"Marcus [Rashford], even when not performing
especially well, he was giving absolutely
everything. I could never demand more from him.
"I could just support and say, 'Better days will
arrive'. Always super happy with the approach of
such a young and talented kid.
"Some other guys don't give everything they have
so that's the point. They have to and when they do
it, I'm happy with them, it doesn't matter how they
perform."