Zlatan Ibrahimovic explains Tyrone Mings elbow incident after fiery Manchester United draw

The two players were embroiled in controversy at the end of the first half but neither were sent off by referee Kevin Friend

Saturday 04 March 2017 17:04

Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared to elbow Tyrone Mings after the Bournemouth defender had stamped on his head

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed that Tyrone Mings ‘jumped into his elbow’ during a moment of controversy in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.

The Swedish striker appeared to elbow Mings during the closing stages of the first half, moments after Mings himself appeared to stamp on Ibrahimovic’s head.

Neither player was sent off by the match referee Kevin Friend, despite the official’s decision to talk to Ibrahimovic at length after the elbow incident.

Manchester United 1 Bournemouth 1 player ratings

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1/22Manchester United 1 Bournemouth 1 player ratings

It was a relatively quiet day at the office for the keeper, with Bournemouth showing little goal threat, but he saved well when Afobe through on goal. Could do nothing about the penalty.

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Created the first goal and he was relentlessly charging up the pitch to create more chances.

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There was a catalogue of errors for Jones today. He was out of position, clumsy and gave away the penalty.

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Cleverly finished the first goal and defended well for the remainder.

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The long term absentee returned to the side in style. Tackled tough, worked hard and looked strong forward.

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It was a textbook display from the experienced United man. He was disciplined, organised and supplied the strikers with endless service.

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A dismal display by a man of such ability – he wasted through balls and continued to make wrong decisions in possession.

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Hunted possession constantly, but his final product could do with some work. His crosses were failing to beat the first man.

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When he received the ball, he did very well. However, he seemed to lack any determination or fight.

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Dominated Smith throughout and continued to charge down the wings and deliver balls into the danger zone. An impressive display.

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Should have been red carded in the first half and missed a penalty in the second. It was not Ibra’s day today.

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Made a tremendous save to deny Ibrahimovic from the penalty spot and made a handful of great stops to keep scores level.

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Was dominated by Martial at times, but held his own and kept his position well.

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The skipper did well today, making a number of interceptions, challenges and headers.

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Should have had a red card towards the end of the first half for a disgraceful stamp on Ibrahimovic. Subbed after the interval for what proved to be a slight niggle rather than a recurrence of a serious knee injury.

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Should of made more of an impact and failed to provide any outlet for the Bournemouth strikers.

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Continued to cause a nuisance of himself throughout, worked hard and did his job.

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Was flying into unnecessary challenges – was lucky not see a second yellow.

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Saw his second yellow just before the interval to leave his side a goal down for the remainder.

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Won the penalty, which levelled the scores for Bournemouth. Was subbed off at half-time due to Surman’s red card.

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He scored a tremendous penalty, worked relentlessly and proved his ability both on and off the ball.

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Showed glimpses of excellence going forward and he caused numerous problems for the United defence.

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Instead, and only after a long delay, Friend sent off Andrew Surman for a second bookable offence. The Bournemouth midfielder had pushed Ibrahimovic while protesting against the striker’s elbow on Mings.

Ibrahimovic defended himself after the final whistle, saying: “With the elbow situation, I jump, I protect myself; I jump very high, he jumps into me. I think he jumps backwards and I jump straight up and unfortunately, he jumps into my elbow.

“Hopefully he’s not injured or something. The situation happens. I go for the ball and unlucky, he jumps into my elbow. Nothing on purpose, nothing to do about now and hopefully he’s not injured.”

Ibrahimovic went on to see a second-half penalty saved by Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc, while Mings left the field injured as a 78th minute substitute.

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