United's outspoken Portuguese boss faces a disciplinary hearing after questioning referee Anthony Taylor's suitability to take charge of the October 17 game at Anfield.
The Altrincham-based official's appointment for the Premier League derby had led former English top flight referee Keith Hackett to claim the appointment would place undue pressure on Taylor.
And when those comments were put to Mourinho ahead of the match, the United boss said:"I think Mr Taylor is a very good referee but I think somebody with intention is putting such a pressure on him that I feel that it will be difficult for him to have a very good performance."
Although more silverware this year would be nice,
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Mourinho knows the main target is to guarantee Champions League action next season by securing a top-four Premier League finish.
The key to achieving that will be keeping Ibrahimovic fit and firing on all cylinders.
The Swedish veteran, who also scored United's opener with a fine free-kick, was written off by many when Mourinho signed him on a free transfer last year.
Yet he has defied the critics with 26 goals in all competitions, and Mourinho said he never doubted the forward.
"Only a silly player comes to England at 35 years old, and with the successful career that Zlatan has, if he doesn't feel he can do it (he wouldn't have come).
"Who better to know? Him. Not me, not you. Him."
Ibrahimovic's future remains uncertain as his contract expires at the end of the season but, while Mourinho won't plead with him, he expects the star to stay.
"I never beg for a player to sign a contract. I never beg for a player to play for me," Mourinho said.
"We all want, and believe, that he is going to stay another season.