Mkhitaryan 'scores' for the first time, Man Utd advances in Europa League
The Armenian midfielder opened the scoring in Man Utd's 2-0 win at Zorya Stadium in the final round of the Europa League group stage on the evening of December 8.
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Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan scored together to bring victory to Man Utd. Photo: Reuters. |
Goals: Mkhitaryan (48'), Ibrahimovic (88')
Man Utd controlled the game despite playing away to Ukraine. Despite having 76% possession in the first half, the only notable moments for the visitors were long-range shots from Rooney and Pogba.
In the second half, Mkhitaryan broke the deadlock with a cool finish from the centre circle into the Zorya net. This was the first time the former Dortmund midfielder had scored since joining Man Utd.
Towards the end of the match, Pogba made an assist for Ibrahimovic to run down and beat the opposing goalkeeper to seal a 2-0 victory. This was Ibrahimovic's sixth goal in seven consecutive matches and his 13th goal of the season.
Man Utd have progressed to the last 32 of the Europa League but they could not take top spot from Fenerbahce. The Turkish side won 1-0 at Feyenoord to secure top spot in Group A.
Man Utd's possible opponents in the round of 32are the Europa League group winners: Apoel Nicosia, Saint-Etienne, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Roma, Athletic Bilbao, Ajax, Schalke, Fiorentina, Sparta Prague, Osmanlispor or the Champions League third-placed teams: FC Copenhagen, Lyon and Besiktas.
Man Utd entered the match with the goal of only needing a point against Zorya to advance. However, coach Mourinho still fielded a very strong squad to win and hope to take the top spot in the group.
Man Utd's performance satisfied Mourinho. Despite playing on a very bad pitch in the cold of Eastern Europe, his students knew how to kill their opponents at the right time. Thanks to Henrik Mkhitaryan, who opened the scoring with an impressive run and finish.
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Mkhitaryan (right) was the most outstanding player of the match. Photo: Reuters. |
This was the third consecutive match that Mkhitaryan started for Man Utd and he is gradually showing why he was voted the best player in the Bundesliga last season. Two assists and a goal in the last three matches have left fans puzzled by Mourinho's decision to leave him out in the previous period.
In addition to Mkhitaryan's brilliance, Man Utd also benefited from the victory over Zorya. Among them, Ibrahimovic maintained his scoring inspiration and Eric Bailly returned. The Ivorian midfielder returned after suffering a knee injury in October and played solidly against Zorya. In addition, Mourinho also saved some key players such as De Gea and Martial before the difficult match against Tottenham this weekend.
Man Utd are currently nine points behind the top four in the Premier League, so coach Mourinho is placing great importance on the Europa League. If Man Utd win this tournament, they will qualify for the Champions League next season.
| Notable statistics after the Zorya - Man Utd match |
Man Utd won their first away win in European competition (excluding qualifying) since a 5-0 win over Leverkusen in November 2013. Mkhitaryan has been directly involved in eight goals in his last 12 Europa League appearances, assisting five and scoring three. Man Utd are unbeaten in seven consecutive matches in all competitions, winning four and drawing three, their best run since December 2015. Ander Herrera completed 116 passes in the match, the best tally by a Man Utd player since Morgan Schneiderlin completed 120 passes against CSKA Moscow in October 2015. |
According to VNE
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