Though United's long sequence without defeat has not vaulted them into title contention, due to too many draws, Ibrahimovic's performances have been consistently excellent, helping him net 17 goals already in his first season in England.
That lack of cutting edge reared its head again on Thursday as Anderlecht snatched a late 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
United are on a 21-game unbeaten league run since losing 4-0 in October at Chelsea, who have the best away record in the league, having lost just twice in 16 games this season. It means United not only have tiredness to contend with but the fact the crucial return fixture looms large in a competition that offers both silverware and Champions League qualification.
"First of all, some guys are fresh, some guys are exhausted", said Mourinho.
Mourinho praised Shaw's display against Sunderland, where the defender came off just after the hour mark and was given a handshake and pat on the back by his manager.
However, Chelsea has not kept a clean sheet in the Premier League for nine matches.
Asked about Chelsea's qualities, Mourinho responded with a back-handed compliment, suggesting that a key factor in their championship charge has been the physical freshness of Conte's squad as they have not had to play European football this season.
"They have a certain style of play, they stick to it, they do it very well". They are very objective in the counter-attack and they have individual players out of the context of the game that can also resolve the problems.
Trump strategy on North Korea: 'Maximum pressure and engagement'
Bush said in 2006, "Once again North Korea has defied the will of the worldwide community, and the global community will respond". North Korean soldiers take part in a parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang on Saturday.
Without a goal in four league matches for Antonio Conte's men, the Spain worldwide is on offer at 15/4 (4.75) to get back among the action by breaking the deadlock in the North West and 5/4 (2.25) to strike anytime.
"It's also because they have individual quality and they have collective quality".
"Yes, I agree. I always said this".
"We discussed what he wanted from me and I said to him at the end 'I am going to prove you wrong'".
"I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I want to push for the best from me".
So spectacular under Mourinho's guidance as Chelsea won the 2014-15 title, Eden Hazard's drop off the following campaign was stark.
"Now it is my time to fight until the end of the season and show the boss what I can do and what I can bring to help his team".
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