'Lions don't recover like humans': Zlatan back in United win

Posted November 18, 2017 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Manchester United's Anthony Martial, left, is substituted off the pitch for Zlatan Ibrahimovic during their English Premier League soccer match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP) The Associated Press

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned from a seven-month injury layoff in Manchester United's 4-1 victory over Newcastle in the English Premier League, and so did the striker's bravado.

"I feel special," Ibrahimovic said. "Different day, same quality. I am not worried at all because I know what I can do."

Asked if he feared the knee ligament damage was career-ending, the 36-year-old Swede replied: "Lions, they don't recover like humans."

United also welcomed back Paul Pogba from a shorter layoff with a hamstring injury. On his first appearance in two months, Pogba scored and set up another goal as he restored fluidity and dynamism to the team.

"The most important thing is Zlatan came back, I came back," Pogba said. "We were more effective."

United overturned Dwight Gayle's early strike for Newcastle to remain eight points behind league leader Manchester City.

Pogba created the equalizer for Anthony Martial before Chris Smalling put the hosts ahead. Pogba then increased the advantage and Romelu Lukaku made victory certain by ending his seven-game goal drought.

Manchester United's Paul Pogba, centre, scores his side's third goal of the game during their English Premier League soccer match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP) The Associated Press

Newcastle United's Dwight Gayle, left, and Manchester United's Paul Pogba battle for the ball during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.