The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Zlatan the hero for Red Devils after heading winner against Ukrainian visitors
MANCHESTER UTD 1 FC ZORYA LUGANSK 0
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s close-range header secured Manchester United a win from a flat Europa League clash with Zorya Luhansk of Ukraine.
Two weeks on from opening their maiden group stage campaign in the competition with defeat at Feyenoord, Jose Mourinho conceded his side could ill afford to falter again.
Zorya frustrated the hosts for long periods, but Ibrahimovic’s close-range header would eventually secure a 1-0 win that may not have enthralled but kick-starts United’s Group A campaign.
United’s winner came two minutes after Wayne Rooney came off the bench, when the England captain’s mis-hit effort was headed home by Ibrahimovic.
HAPOEL BEER SHEVA 0 SOUTHAMPTON 0
Southampton secured a valuable point in their bid to progress to the Europa League’s knockout stages with a 0-0 draw as Hapoel Be’er Sheva continued their extraordinary undefeated record at the Turner Stadium.
The hosts are yet to lose there since the stadium opened last September, playing 23 competitive fixtures, and sit second behind Group K leaders Saints, with both teams on four points from two games.
Meanwhile, three-time champions Inter Milan face a battle to get through Group K after a second defeat. A 3-1 setback against Sparta Prague leaves them bottom of the group, four points behind Hapoel and Southampton.