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The five dirtiest Premier League players this season

By Ryan Willox

SWANSEA, WALES - NOVEMBER 06: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at Liberty Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - NOVEMBER 06: Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at Liberty Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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SWANSEA, WALES – NOVEMBER 06: Leroy Fer of Swansea City (C) is helped to stand up by Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United (R) who saw a yellow card for his foul against him by referee Neil Swarbrick (2nd L) during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium on November 06, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES – NOVEMBER 06: Leroy Fer of Swansea City (C) is helped to stand up by Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United (R) who saw a yellow card for his foul against him by referee Neil Swarbrick (2nd L) during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at The Liberty Stadium on November 06, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images) /

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

You have to imagine the Zlatan will not be happy about being kept off the top spot, regardless of the criteria.

Manchester United’s second entry on the list, narrowly edging out Fellaini and banishing Paul Pogba to the also-rans, Ibrahimovic comes in with four yellow cards.

That in and of itself would not have got him this high, but a league leading 26 fouls secures his place on the list.

While no-one will be surprised that Watford (160) have committed the most fouls, United’s third place (149) in that table might make some sit up and take notice.

With two United players in this countdown, others including Pogba and Ander Herrera only just miss out.

Ibra has committed more fouls (26) than taken shots on goal (21). Like Arnautovic, part of this is down to his physicality.

Equally, with robust players elsewhere across the field, do United really need their point-man getting involved like this as the goals dry up?

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