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Jose Mourinho Reveals Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Cunning Role In Europa League Final

Jose Mourinho Reveals Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Cunning Role In Europa League Final

Ibrahimovic being an influence even from the sideline.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Despite not playing, Zlatan Ibrahimovic still had a significant influence on Manchester United from the bench with Jose Mourinho revealing his cunning role.

His season was ruled out after suffering a gruesome knee injury rupturing his ligaments. Not only has he missed the rest of the season but he's also expected to be on the sideline till early 2018.

But that hasn't stopped the Swede from spreading his influence within the squad.

Ibrahimovic watches on from the sideline while on his crutches. Image: PA

After the 2-0 victory over Ajax, Jose Mourinho reiterated the cruel nature of his absence while detailing how big of a night it would've been.

"I think it's so unfair what happened to him. Sometimes football is unfair, sometimes life is unfair. I think it's so unfair. I think for him, this night would be an amazing night if he was on the pitch," he said via Metro.

"In his hometown, in the stadium where his statue will be, his first club when he left Sweden [Ajax], his actual club, Manchester United, a season where he made an amazing impact. I'm really, really sorry about Zlatan not playing this final."

Ibrahimovic celebrates at the end of the Europa League final. Image: PA

Though he wasn't the only player missing. As well as Ibrahimovic, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Eric Bailly were either injured or suspended.

And they all made their presence known from the sideline as they were doing 'everything.'

"But he played, he played outside with crutches, with the other guys, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Eric Bailly, they were playing behind the bench, they were shouting, doing everything."

Ibrahimovic holds aloft the trophy. Image: PA

Not to mention Mourinho revealing Ibrahimovic's sneaky yet effective tactic which included telling the ball boys to take it easy in the second half.

"On top of that, Zlatan, in Swedish, told the ball boys in the second half to take it easy. So, even outside he was playing for us."

The 35-year-old added his 33rd career title but his first major European honour, a feat which has pleased his manager.

"I'm so pleased he finally gets in his amazing career a European trophy."

And in typically brilliant fashion, Ibrahimovic celebrated the trophy by posting a bizarre post on Instagram. Only Zlatan could get away with this.

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Topics: Jose Mourinho, Europa League, Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic