Manchester United cruise into Europa League’s last 16 round

NAN-S-2
League
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Feb. 23, 2017 (NAN) Manchester United eased into the last 16 round of the 2016/2017 Europa League with a lone goal victory and a 4-0 aggregate defeat of hosts Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that goalscorer Henrikh Mkhitaryan could however be out of Sunday’s English Football League (EFL) Cup final after limping off.

Leading 3-0 from the first leg, thanks to a Zlatan Ibrahimovic hat-trick, United started sharply in front of a noisy home support at a stadium often referred to as “The Cauldron’’.

Mkhitaryan flicked in Juan Mata’s cross early on to leave the hosts needing five goals.

The Armenian departed shortly after and clutched his hamstring as he entered the tunnel, an injury which could impact on manager Jose Mourinho’s team selection for Sunday’s Wembley meeting with Southampton.

And although United had defender Eric Bailly sent off for two bookable offences in the second half, they rarely looked under pressure in securing a place in Friday’s last-16 draw.

Short of a Loic Perrin header, which was easily held by Sergio Romero in the first half, United — who had made six changes — were comfortable throughout.

One of their best chances saw Marcus Rashford poking wide when well placed in the second period.

The first leg of their next game in the competition will arrive days before an FA Cup tie at Chelsea.

But with just one defeat in 25 matches, Mourinho continues to shuffle his pack efficiently and the challenge for three Cup successes remains in tact. (NAN)
VO/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)