With Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s knee injury ending his season (and possibly his Manchester United career) on Thursday night, talk soon turned to who might fill the Swedish striker’s boots.
Having joined on a free from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, the 35-year-old swiftly adapted to the Premier League. Although he won’t kick another ball for the club this season, it’s unlikely any of United’s players will surpass his tally of 28 goals for the season.
Many expect Marcus Rashford to benefit the most from Ibrahimovic’s absence, although after playing 120 minutes against Anderlecht on Thursday night, Jose Mourinho gave Anthony Martial a start when United returned to Premier League action at Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon.
Martial, who has been in and out of the side this season, made an almost immediate impact – racing past Burnley’s Joey Barton and sliding the ball past Tom Heaton to put United ahead. Later in the first half, his shot was saved by Heaton, only for Wayne Rooney to double United’s lead from the rebound.
Clearly, Martial boasts different qualities to that of Ibrahimovic, but many of those United fans watching the game were quick to comment that the reintroduction of the Frenchman may benefit the team more than if their top scorer were available.
Martial's hold-up play in 10 minutes eclipsed Zlatan's all season.
— Jordan (@FourFourJordan) April 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/MohammadMaster9/status/856146865502519296
imagine scoring that martial goal with zlatan in the team #nothappening
— baz (@bazmufc_) April 23, 2017
Yes Martial! Quality, counter attacking goal.
And one, dare I say, that wouldn't have happened had Ibra been up top.
— Adam Sweeney (@AdamWSweeney) April 23, 2017
Who need Zlatan Ibrahimovic when we have Anthony Martial #MUFC #GGMU pic.twitter.com/4xmx2qOY1D
— Amad SID Diallo ฏ๎๎๎๎๎๎๎ (@sidchan) April 23, 2017
Ibrahimovic, our top scorer, and Mata, out tied for 2nd top scorer out for the season.
Tony Martial: "No problem." pic.twitter.com/2dn12EeAZO
— The United Life (@TheUnitedLife1) April 23, 2017
No Ibrahimovic no worries. We got Martial
— Daniel (@nielss23) April 23, 2017
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