Manchester United news: Zlatan Ibrahimovic AND Jose Mourinho should be in trouble with the FA
Manchester United’s draw against Bournemouth will prove costly
It’s fair to say that Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth was filled with controversy. In the end, it’s going to prove a very costly point for United. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will almost certainly face a retrospective ban from the FA, but his manager deserves some discipline as well.
The talented striker will likely receive a three match ban after his blatant elbowing of Cherry star Tyrone Mings in the match. In fairness to the prolific striker, Mings appeared to stamp him on the head prior to the retaliatory incident. Of course, that didn’t give Ibrahimovic the right to slam Mings with an elbow just minutes later.
Even the most ardent Manchester United fan would likely agree with Ibrahimovic’s upcoming ban. Three matches is a pretty obvious punishment. What those fans might disagree with however, is my opinion that Mourinho should also be in hot water for his behaviour during the match.
Specifically, it was Mourinho’s halftime antics that I think should draw the ire of the FA. Video clearly shows that he had words with Mings as the two sides came back out for the second half. It’s pretty obvious that The Special One wasn’t complimenting the Cherries star on his first half performance.
My issue is that Mourinho has no right to engage Mings in any sort of conversation. I’m well aware that friendly chatter is very much a part of Premier League football, but this was something very different. The United manager only had bad intentions on his mind when he spoke to his opponent.
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Nothing good could have come out of the two exchanging words. Fortunately for everyone involved, Mings showed a cool head throughout the match. I don’t believe he stamped on Ibrahimovic intentionally and his behaviour after that was excellent. He didn’t respond negatively to being struck by Ibra’s elbow and he didn’t lash out at Mourinho when he was confronted by the United boss.
Just consider how things could have gone. What if Mings would have responded poorly to Mourinho’s criticism and tempers had flared. It’s just the sort of thing that could have led to a fight between the two teams.
That’s why Mourinho deserves discipline from the FA. We have to hold managers to a significantly higher standard than players. There’s never an acceptable reason for an opposing manager to enter into an argument with a player. Only bad things can happen as a result.
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In the end, I realize I’m advocating for something that isn’t going to happen. Ibrahimovic will receive a well-deserved ban, but Mourinho will escape scott free. It’s the unfortunate reality of current disciple system in the Premier League.