Mourinho reveals how Ibrahimovic disobeyed his orders during Man United’s losing run

Jose Mourinho has revealed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic cancelled his holiday in order to play for Manchester United.

The 35-year-old was granted a break after United’s 3-1 defeat to Watford last month but instead of going away, he chose to remain available for the clash against Northampton in the EFL Cup three days later.

And the Swede, who came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 victory, has been praised for his attitude by Mourinho.

‘I know that an example is, for sure. He’s fantastic. He’s fantastic,’ said the United boss.

‘There was one episode that I can tell you where he was supposed not to play against Northampton.

‘But because the match before that we lost he came to me and told me that he didn’t want his three days off that I was supposed to give him.

‘He said I want to go to that match because maybe the team needs me.

‘He plays because he is an important player in my team and because he plays really well. That is why he plays it is not because of his record or his experience.’