Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'sorry' for missing Arsenal clash due to suspension

Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has apologised to supporters for missing the Arsenal fixture after the striker was handed a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card during his side's win over Swansea City.

The Swedish striker ended his goal drought in the last match against the Welsh club as Jose Mourinho saw his side register a first league win since their 4-1 win over Leicester City in September. He scored a brace after Paul Pogba's brilliant strike had given the visitors an early lead at the Liberty Stadium on 6 November.

Ibrahimovic received a yellow card late in the second half for his tackle on Leror Fer, who came on as a substitute. The Old Trafford summer arrival admitted that he wanted to face the Gunners, but is confident that United can "do fine" without his services against Arsenal.

"I'm sorry I am suspended for the next game. I wish I wasn't as it's a game I really wanted to play in. But I have trust in my team-mates and the team and I know they can do fine also without me," Ibrahimovic told United's official website.

The Premier League will return on 19 November after a two-week international break and United will host Arsene Wenger's side for a lunchtime kick-off at Old Trafford. Arsenal will be looking to bounce back against United following their 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby.

Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic claimed that he was not sure why he received a yellow card against Swansea, but admitted that he will accept the decision.

"You know what? Every time I try to play my game by being strong, and going into the tackles, or whatever it is, I get a yellow card. I don't know what the explanation was because I think I was too tired and I didn't hear him [the referee]," he explained.

"It is what it is. In England, the football is hard, it's physical. I just have to accept it. I've got to be professional."