Zlatan denies kicking Coleman on purpose: I'd put him to sleep if I tried

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has denied claims that he purposely kicked Everton defender Seamus Coleman in the face during Sunday's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, backing up his argument by citing his infamous combat abilities.

The Swedish striker, who scored the Red Devils' lone goal in the stalemate, was tangled up with the right-back early in the second half, and while falling on top of him, seemed to bring his foot down on Coleman's head.

But Ibrahimovic, who earned a Taekwondo black belt as a 17-year-old, said after the contest that had he intentionally tried to kick the Everton star, he would have inflicted serious damage.

"I heard one of the commentators say I kicked someone in the head on purpose, but it was a 50-50 duel and he pulled me down," the 35-year-old said in quotes reported by ESPN FC.

"Trust me, if I want to kick someone in the head, I know how to kick someone in the head and make him fall asleep.

"That is the only thing I have to say."

Regardless of his proclamation, the FA will likely look into the incident to see if retrospective punishment is required, given that referee Michael Oliver appeared to miss the clash.