Injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic likely to miss Manchester United clash in Europa League - reports

AC Milan striker has apparently picked up an adductor injury

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic is likely to miss the match against old club Manchester United. AFP

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is likely to be sidelined after picking up an adductor injury during their 2-1 victory over AS Roma, local Italian media reported.

Ibrahimovic, Milan's top scorer this season, was forced off during the Serie A contest on Sunday, with coach Stefano Pioli confirming after the match that he had picked up a muscle problem and would be evaluated.

Italian media reported that tests showed that Ibrahimovic had injured his adductor muscle and said he would be evaluated again in 10 days. He is expected to miss Milan's next two league games against Udinese and Verona.

Milan, who are second in Serie A and four points behind rivals Inter Milan, play Manchester United in the last 16 of the Europa League, with the first leg scheduled for March 11.

Ibrahimovic won the 2017 edition of the Europa League with Premier League giants United in a two-year spell at the club, and his return to Manchester with Milan has been hotly anticipated.

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Manchester United ratings v Real Sociedad

MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: Dean Henderson - 6. United’s usual cup goalkeeper and had little to do despite the early La Real pressure. Stood tall for the penalty which was struck well wide. Wants to be number one and feels that he’s ready and deserves a run of games in the team. Far more vocal than De Gea and kept another clean sheet. AP

Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 6. Had to keep his eye on Januzaj switching position but did nothing wrong as he played half the game for a side who made it eight unbeaten. AP

Eric Bailly - 6. Did well again and his pace was useful against the technical excellence of the visitors, but it was only the 11th game he’s started this season. A fit, fast, focussed Bailly could be one of the best defenders around. If only he was all those three more often. Reuters

Victor Lindelof - 6. Superb interception of a cross which would have surely been put in the net by Isak. Foul for a high jump and contact meant Tuanzebe’s magnificent header wasn’t given. EPA

Alex Telles - 6. Intelligent defending to get body between Henderson and former United player Adnan Januzaj on one of the frequent Basque attacks. AP

Fred - 6. Did really well to set Fernandes up after 23. Booked for a foul on the excellent Januzaj. Off at half-time, probably with Sunday’s big game at Chelsea in mind. Reuters

Nemanja Matic - 6. Blocked two La Real shots. Steady as ever and an experienced head on the field for 90 minutes surrounded by youth. Getty

Mason Greenwood - 6. Improved in the second half after a flat first 45 for the team. Looked unhappy when he came off. EPA

Bruno Fernandes - 6. His selection surprised some given United won the first leg 4-0 away. Hit the cross bar after 23. Wonderful ball for Lindelof at the back post and again to James in the first half. Reuters

Daniel James - 6. Fouled to give away a penalty after 11 minutes which was missed. Excellent run to head a Fernandes pass after 35 and lively but couldn’t add to his recent goals. PA

Anthony Martial - 6. Forced save from Remiro in a bright start but still didn’t score and that’s what he’ll be judged on in a season which continues to be less than productive for the Parisian. EPA

SUBSTITUTES: Axel Tuanzebe - 6. On for Fred at half time to put the ball in the net with a stunning header, but VAR rightly ruled it out for foul from Lindelof. A shame, for it would have been his first goal. Getty

Brandon Williams - 6. On for Wan Bissaka at HT in a triple substitution. Booked after four minutes and made a heavy tackle two minutes after that. Got into dangerous positions. AP

Marcus Rashford - 6. On for Fernandes at HT. Exactly five years since he made his United debut in the same competition, he almost squeezed a ball in but was unable to match the brace of 2016. AFP

Amad Diallo - 6. On for James after 59. Debut for the teen who has made a positive impression since arriving at the start of the year from Atalanta. EPA

Shola Shoretire - 6. United’s fifth substitution as he came on for Greenwood on 76 to become the youngest ever United player in European competition – days after his Premier League debut. Been at United since he was nine. The team finished the match with half the side made up of academy graduates. EPA