Begin typing your search...
Ibrahimovic fires United to FA Cup quarter-final
Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off the bench to score the winner as they recovered from an early deficit to beat Championship strugglers Blackburn Rovers 2-1 away in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.
By
migrator
migrator
London
The Swedish hitman entered the fray just part the hour mark at a murky Ewood Park and produced a typically silky finish in the 75th minute to spare holders United an unwanted replay.
It was his first goal in the FA Cup and 24th in all competitions and sent 12-times winners United into the quarter-finals where they will play at Premier League leaders Chelsea.
United’s passage was far from smooth, though, against the former Premier League champions who are now struggling to retain their second-tier status.
Until United manager Jose Mourinho sent on Ibrahimovic and world record signing Paul Pogba in the 62nd minute the visitors were finding Blackburn a tough nut to crack.
Danny Graham had put the hosts ahead before United forward Marcus Rashford equalised just before the half-hour mark.
Then, in a moment of supreme quality, Pogba’s flighted pass found Ibrahimovic running in behind the Rovers rearguard and the veteran striker took his time before guiding a shot past keeper Jason Steele.
Mourinho even graciously applauded as Rovers took the lead with a goal of real quality in the 17th minute.
The lively Marvin Emnes did superbly to work some space before slipping an astute pass to Graham who finished superbly into the far corner with an angled shot.
“We conceded a brilliant goal,” Mourinho said, although it was matched by the quality of United’s equaliser.
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android
Next Story
