UNITED TO FACE ROSTOV IN EUROPA LAST 16

Manchester United have been drawn to face FC Rostov in the last 16 of the Europa League competition.


The English side are the only ones in the second-rate tournament in Europe. However, bookmakers consider them one of the favourites to lift the title.

Jose Mourinho’s men thrashed French side Saint Etienne 0-1 in the return leg. Summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan grabbed the only goal of the game even though he could not finish the game as he limped off. Paul Pogba – who lined up against his brother – was awarded the Man of the Match. Another summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic had given Man United the advantage as he scored thrice in the first leg at Old Trafford.

The victory ensured United’s form since November continued strong. After their sloppy side, the team seems to have found the right balance.

Etienne wanted to win the game even if they did not qualify the coach said.

“I would love for my players to have won this game for themselves, first of all, but also for the fans because they would have deserved it. The fans were just exceptional tonight,” Christophe Galtier said.

Mourinho, whilst happy that they are gunning for titles and making progress, has admitted that the fixtures and travelling might limit the best from the team. Man United would play Bournemouth in the Premier League on March 4 then travel to face Rostov on Thursday, March 9. On Monday they would play Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter finals – a tie against the league leaders that they would have loved to have enough rest. They host Rostov on Thursday March 16 before going away to Middlesbrough on Sunday, March 19.

The fixtures are frustrating for the team as they are seeking to upset the teams in the top four. They sit two points apart but they would also want to defend their FA Cup title and do well in Europe. Tough times for Man United!

 

 

Comments are closed.