Wenger on Ibrahimovic suspension: It was Rashford who killed us last year!

The Arsenal manager was about the Swede missing Saturday’s clash due to suspension but it seems the Frenchman is more concerned with another Man Utd forward

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down the significance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic missing Saturday’s crunch clash with Manchester United, suggesting he is more concerned with Marcus Rashford.

The England international striker announced himself to the Premier League with two goals against the Gunners in last season’s meeting at Old Trafford, a game United won 3-2.

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Swedish striker Ibrahimovic picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in United’s 3-1 win over Swansea City last time out, meaning he’ll miss the game against Wenger’s side on Saturday.

As a result, Rashford could be the direct replacement for the 35-year-old and lead the line at Old Trafford when the two sides meet in the early kick-off.

And Wenger is well aware of the United youngster’s potential to cause his defence major problems, pointing out it was Rashford, and not Ibrahimovic, who was decisive in last season’s fixture.

When asked about Ibrahimovic being absent, Wenger told reporters: “The guy who killed us last year was Rashford.

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“I watched him against a Danish team in midweek [prior to last season’s Manchester United – Arsenal game] and he scored and I thought this guy could be dangerous.

“His movement was good and he was strong. He took everyone by surprise.”

Rashford has scored 12 goals in all competitions since making his first-team debut against Midtjylland in the Europa League back in February.

Wayne Rooney is another option for United boss Jose Mourinho to consider in attack ahead of Saturday’s game although has only scored two goals in all competitions for the Red Devils this season.

Rooney sorry for ‘inappropriate’ images

The England skipper was dropped from the starting XI for five league games in a row before he picked up two assists after being brought back in for the win over Swansea.

Rooney hit the headlines this week after The Sun allegedly accused him of being drunk after leaving the England team hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Former Everton striker Rooney has since apologised for the “inappropriate” nature of the images that were carried by the newspaper although it remains unclear if the 31-year-old will keep his place at club level following the accusations.

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