Man United advance to last-16 of Europa League

Leading 3-0 from the first leg, Manchester United eased into the last 16 of the Europa League with 1-0 victory over Saint-Etienne in the second leg of their round of 32 tie in France on Wednesday.

The only goal of the match was scored by Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the 17th minute after finishing off a brilliant cross from Juan Mata. He however went off injured and was replaced by Marcus Rashford in the 25th minute.

Eric Bailly was shown a red card in the 63rd minute.

And with just one defeat in 25 matches, The Red Devil Manager Jose Mourinho continues to shuffle his pack efficiently as the challenge for three cup successes remains in tact.

“Everything was under control, solid, focused, professional. Obviously the first goal kills every hope. We still like to win the game. I told the players if someone gives me a 2-1 victory it is not enough. I always want the best possible result,” said Mourinho after the win.

Read Also: FA Cup: Ibrahimovic’s late winner sends United to quarter-finals

“I have to give the right message to the players and the right message is to play with a strong team and have a bench with options. We knew it would be difficult. It was important to play solid and to have complete control of the game.”

In Turkey, Fenerbahce, were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting FC Krasnodar who progressed 2-1 on aggregate, as Fedor Smolov’s seventh minute goal was made of no effect by Souza’s 41-minute goal.

Elsewhere, Schalke 04 booked their place into the last 16 after being held 1-1 by PAOK Thessaloniki – a result that made it 4-1 on aggregate following their 3-0 first leg win in Greece.

It was Alessandro Schoepf who opened the scoring, for Schalke in the 23rd minute, before an own goal from defender Matija Nastasic, made it 1-1.

The second leg of the remaining round of 32 ties of the Europa League will be played on Thursday.

 

 

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