Manchester United injury news: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo set to miss rest of the season

Manchester Unitedhave suffered a double blow as star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and defender Marcos Rojo have been ruled out for the rest of the season due to the knee injuries they suffered in the Europa League tie against Anderlecht.

The former Swedish international appeared to have hyper-extended his knee when he awkwardly landed that forced him to be withdrawn from the pitch. Marcos Rojo was also stretchered off the field in the second-leg of the European competition against the Belgium outfit.

Jose Mourinho admitted the early prognosis on Ibrahimovic and the Argentine international remains "fairly negative" after the Red Devils made it to the semi-final of the Europa League. According to the Daily Record, both players ruptured cruciate ligaments and set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Rojo was hopeful his injury was not serious after he was taken off the pitch in the first half against Anderlecht. However, further tests reveal he has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and is expected to undergo a reconstructive surgery.

The South American defender is targeting a return in September. This will force him to miss United's pre-season tour in the summer and also the start of the next campaign. He has been vital in his side's back four, alongside Eric Bailly.

Ibrahimovic's injury is much worse than Rojo as the former Juventus and Barcelona man has ruptured both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. In such scenarios, the expected recovery period is anywhere between nine to 12 months, meaning he is unlikely to play again in this calendar year.

The striker is United's top goal scorer this season with 28 goals across all competitions. His absence will be a massive blow for the 20-time English champions as they are challenging for a place in the next season's Champions League.

United are fifth in the league table with 60 points from 31 games and trail fourth place Manchester City by four points with a game in hand. They can make it to the Europe's elite club competition by winning the Europa League this term. The Premier League outfit have made it to the semi-final and are pitted against Spanish side Celta Vigo.

Ibrahimovic and Rojo now join Juan Mata, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in the list of injured players at Old Trafford. Mourinho has already confirmed the Spain international will miss the rest of the season, while admitted the defensive duo will not return until mid-May.