Zlatan Ibrahimovic is too good to rest, insists Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho

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Jose Mourinho has admitted he simply cannot drop Zlatan Ibrahimovic, even if the Manchester United striker requires a rest.

The 35-year-old has featured in more games than any United player this season — 24 in all competitions — and will lead the line against West Bromwich, his third match in seven days.

Ibrahimovic scored a late winner at Crystal Palace on Wednesday, his 14th goal of the season, but with United’s next match after today not until Boxing Day, Sportsmail understands the Swede will be given at least two days off training next week. 

Jose Mourinho has been speaking ahead of Manchester United's trip to face West Brom

The United boss has stated that it is impossible to drop Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his current form

The Swedish star scored his ninth goal of the season in the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace

'It is impossible [to drop him],' Mourinho said. 'But West Brom is the last effort and then they will have a week without football. And that is a week my players need, especially a guy like Zlatan.

'Sometimes in other positions you can hide yourself a little more, protect yourself. As a striker he is in one of the impossible positions where you can't hide.

'He is phenomenal, play again and then one week to rest. I am not surprised at all by him. I knew from the physical point of view he could cope but obviously he cannot play 60 matches.

Mourinho believes Ibrahimovic is the perfect role model for Marcus Rashford at United

'But as our target striker we can see he is the only one. And the way we normally play we need him.'

Ibrahimovic's workload has been managed carefully at opportune moments, most notably with extended breaks during international weeks.

And the Swede is seen as the perfect role model for teenager Marcus Rashford.

'He is a great example in every aspect,' Mourinho added. 'Even with things that are difficult in today's football players' lives.

'He is great with keeping his family life the most positive and private. He is professional with his lifestyle too.

'When you have him and Michael Carrick at 35 the kids could not have better examples.'  

The Portuguese boss revealed that Chris Smalling is back after spending two months out