Zlat’s the way to rescue United
MANCHESTER United spluttered to victory on another night when the Europa League seemed to represent an unwanted distraction for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Two weeks after defeat against Feyenoord, they struggled to find a way past the Ukrainians before Zlatan Ibrahimovic made the breakthrough in the 69th minute, capitalising on a mis-hit by sub Wayne Rooney to head in from close range.
Old Trafford was far from sold out. There were only 50 Zoyra fans in attendance and the away end was partly filled by 2,500 children on a cut-price ticket scheme. It gave this match the air of an exhibition game.
Indeed, 24 hours after Manchester City had been involved in a barnstorming Champions League game at Celtic, the contrast couldn’t have been greater.
Marcus Rashford hit the bar in the first half, but Zorya keeper Oleksil Shevchenko was not overworked. The visitors looked dangerous on the break and had several chances to cause an upset.
Rooney’s absence was the major talking point again. Mourinho had planned to start him, he said. However, a back injury that restricted Rooney’s participation in training and Mourinho’s preference that his captain be in better condition persuaded him to leave him on the bench again.
The United boss made four changes, bringing in keeper Sergio Romero and two new full backs in Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Marcos Rojo, as well as recalling Marouane Fellaini in midfield.
Mourinho had warned this was a ‘very important’ game as another defeat would leave his team having to win their four remaining games.
Yet Zorya had the first chance inside the opening five minutes. Winger Ivan Petriak pulled the ball back for Zeljko Ljubenovic, who snatched at the opportunity. Periak was at the heart of another sweeping move in the 13th minute which saw Chris Smalling head Oleksandr Karavaev’s cross away from danger.
United took nearly 20 minutes to produce their first serious effort as Ibrahimovic’s 25-yard shot was deflected wide by Dmytro Grechyshkin. Mourinho summoned Rooney and he had a hand in the crucial goal.
Fosu-Mensah crossed and Rooney’s fluffed attempt on goal sent the ball spinning towards the back post where Ibrahimovic headed in.
‘Wayne gave us different positions and speed when the opposing team was getting tired,’ said Mourinho.’