- Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was on Thursday charged with misconduct over comments he made about the referee in charge of this month's Liverpool game, the Football Association has announced.
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."
Mourinho was contacted by the FA for his observations on the comments and the body has now charged him with misconduct.
The clash between the arch rivals resulted in a drab goalless draw.
Although more silverware this year would be nice,
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.
"I was his manager, I know his potential," said Mourinho of their previous spell together at Inter Milan.
"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.
"But if needed, maybe United fans can go to the door of his house, and stay there all night if needed!
"We all want, and believe, that he is going to stay another season.
