Ibra a great example - Mourinho

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is setting a 'great example' to his Manchester United team-mates and is proving impossible to drop, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said.

Ibrahimovic has made 24 appearances so far this season, scoring eight goals in his last eight matches, to help United progress to the knockout stages in the Europa League as well as maintaining the pressure on the top four in the Premier League.

The Swede has impressed Mourinho with his professionalism on and off the pitch and believes many of the club's younger players can learn from his example.

"He's doing phenomenal and he's going to play again," Mourinho said when asked if Ibrahimovic would feature against West Brom on Saturday.

"He's a great example to be honest, in every aspect, he's very professional. Even when it's difficult in today's football players' lives he keeps his family life private.

"He's a great example in everything. When you have him and [Michael] Carrick at 35 years old, I think the kids couldn't have better players to look at."

United are six points off the top four but they will be looking to reduce the deficit over the busy festive period when they play Sunderland and Middlesbrough

"What we have to try to do in these three remaining matches is be in a position that gives us a chance in the second part of the season," Mourinho said.

"We are playing really well; if we can transform performances into results, we have a chance."

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