Man Utd news: Mourinho wanted Ibrahimovic on against Watford for a very strange reason

Manchester United boosted their title chances with a 4-2 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road last night.

Ashley Young scored a brace with Anthony Martial also getting on the scoresheet, before the home side rallied through Troy Deeney and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Jesse Lingard then scored a stunning solo goal to send the Manchester United support into ecstasy, with Ibrahimovic replacing him moments later.

And journalist Duncan Castles claims Mourinho had a weird reason for sending on the 36-year-old.

Ibrahimovic has forged a career for himself as one of the deadliest strikers in world football.

But Mourinho seemingly wanted to utilise his talent in another area.

Kevin Affleck tweeted that Castles has told him Mourinho wanted him to defend against Watford goalkeeper Gomes should he go up for a corner.

“Fascinating tactical insight and attention to detail from Jose Mourinho just now, @DuncanCastles.

“He said he wanted Zlatan on just to mark Heurelho Gomes at a corner if Watford, at 3-2, got one.”

United have eased Ibrahimovic back since the striker’s return from a serious knee injury.

And, speaking earlier this month, the veteran confirmed the problem was actually worse than first feared.

"If people knew the real injury, they would be in shock that I was even playing,” he said. 

“It was more than the knee but I will keep it personal — that's why I choose not to talk of it.

”In my recovery I have not rushed anything. I have been out for six-and-a-half months. I have been following protocol and my schedule day by day.

"The only secret has been working hard. Those close to me know what I have been doing. I was working five, six hours a day."