Zlatan Ibrahimović says that Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings 'jumped' into his elbow when the pair were contesting a header in the first half of their Premier League clash today.
The United forward had a few altercations with the Bournemouth player in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. One of the flashpoints was an apparent stamping offence, in which Mings' boot landed on the head of Ibrahimović, while he was trying to jump over him.
Soon after, it appeared as though Ibrahimović was looking to avenge for that challenge, when his elbow connected with Mings' cheek.
But speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the United player denied that there was any malicious intent involved.
Image: Zlatan Ibrahimović pictured after being stamped on.
"With the stamp, I just felt something hit me behind my neck. And with the elbow, you see it clearly, I jump up, I jump high at the same time I go for the ball."
"And he just jumps into my elbow so, hopefully he doesn't get injured or something because my intention is not to injure the opposition, I wanted to protect myself and go for the ball. Unlucky, he jumps into the elbow but this happens many times so hopefully he didn't feel any injury."
When asked directly if his actions were in direct retaliation to the head-stamping incident, Ibrahimovic said:
"I didn't even know he stamped me in the head, I didn't see the replay if it was him. There is nothing that I think about because, all the defenders they try to stop you. Me as a striker, I try to score goals."
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