Zlatan sets the record straight: Mings jumped into my elbow

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has brushed aside talk that he could face FA action after appearing to elbow Bournemouth defender Tyron Mings by insisting he was protecting himself and Mings jumped into him.

The two players had a very physical battle at Old Trafford as United were held to a 1-1 draw by the 10-man Cherries, with TV replays suggesting that both me were lucky to escape red cards for their conduct.

But Ibrahimovic told the BBC: “What happens on the field stays on the field. The game is hard – what happened, happened.

“You have the TV and you can see the images. I jumped up and jumped high. At the same time I protect myself and unluckily he jumped into me at the same time. He jumped into my elbow.

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“This happens many times and I just hope he did not suffer an injury.”

Ibrahimovic saw a late penalty saved by Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc but said he would not shy away from future spot kicks. he added: “I take the blame I should have scored. I am at fault. But we have many more games.

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“Of course I will be up for the next penalty. Some you score, some you miss.”