Zlatan Ibrahimovic has bemoaned the lack of leniency of Premier League referees after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, meaning the striker will miss Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal in a fortnight.

The 35-year-old picked up the booking late on during United’s 3-1 win over Swansea on Sunday after a challenge on Leroy Fer at the Liberty Stadium.

As a result, United will have to do without their top goalscorer for the game at Old Trafford, with Wayne Rooney likely to retain his place after an impressive performance in South Wales, while either Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial could be recalled.

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However, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward annoyed about being punished for his physicality in a league he was promised was the most physical in the world.

"I thought in England we play rough. No? That's what I heard. Every time I've tried to play rough I get a yellow card," Ibrahimovic told Sky Sports.

"I don't know why he gave me a yellow card. Maybe I was too tired to hear why, but I sacrifice for the team, and if I need to get a yellow I will take it, I have no problems.”

Ibrahimovic ended his six-game goalscoring drought in that game, scoring twice as United raced into a 3-0 lead by half time.

There had been calls for the former Sweden captain to be dropped from the United starting line-up after he spurned 11 chances during United’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Burnley at Old Trafford last weekend.

Ibrahimovic has seen yellow five times this season (Getty)

But never one to admit he is short on confidence, the United number nine insisted he would never be worried as long as he was creating chances.

"No [I was not worried about the run]. As long as you create the chances, which I have been doing.