Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the only goal of the game in the first half as Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 4-0 aggregate victory over French side Saint-Etienne at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium on Wednesday. Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils have now booked their spot in the Europa League’s round of 16. However, the manager will be concerned about the injury his goal-scorer picked up and Eric Bailly’s red card during the match. Manchester United will now focus on the EFL Cup final after a comfortable progression in Europa League.
Manchester United Player Ratings
Sergio Romero -6/10- Did not have much to deal with as the home side were struggling in front of goal but managed a fine save to deny Perrin a headed goal. He was also strong in the air.
Chris Smalling -6/10- Was having a relatively comfortable outing until the second half when he was put under pressure. Overall, he did well to help his side keep a clean sheet.
Eric Bailly- 4/10- Like Smalling, had an easy first half but looked off the pace after the break when he made a few rash challenges that earned him two yellow cards in as many minutes. It led to his team having a few nervy moments for the final half an hour.
Ashley Young-6/10- Another good shift from the Englishman and did a good job defensively in keeping Monnet-Paquet quiet and linked up well in attack with the United front three.
Michael Carrick -6/10- The veteran midfielder was once again brilliant at the base of the midfield, being strong and intelligent with his accurate passing skills.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan -7/10- The Armenian international looked lively and got his goal with a deft flick but picked up an injury later in the game as he stretched a muscle, needing to be replaced.
Marouane Fellaini- 6/10- Defended well on the whole as he used his physical strength well but conceded many unnecessary free-kicks with his rash challenges.
Paul Pogba- 6/10- Was catching the eye as he played a few sparkling passes when he was afforded time and space but he was guilty of keeping the ball for too long at times. Maybe as he couldn’t have the impact he wanted to have on the game.
Daley Blind – 6/10- Did a good job on the left flank both. Was defensively resolute and attacked well making forward runs into the penalty area.
Juan Mata-7/10- Got the assist for Mkhitaryan’s opening goal with a good low cross into the penalty area which boosted his confidence. He was impressive on counters and showed determination to track back to help the team defend.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic-5/10- The big Swede initially led the attacking line well for his side but seemed casual and increasingly frustrated as the game continued, often losing possession in important areas.
Substitutes-
Marcos Rojo-6/10- Came on for Bailly and didn’t have many problems as he did well to keep the clean sheet intact.
Bastian Schweinsteiger-6/10- The German ace midfielder came on with half an hour on the clock and put in a good display on and off the ball.
Marcus Rashford-6/10- Came on for the injured Mkhitaryan in the first half and continued his good work with some nice runs and skills on the left side of the park. Defended strongly as well, to provide cover.
Saint Etienne Player Ratings
Stephane Ruffier-6/10- Could not do much to prevent Mkhitaryan’s goal but made some good saves to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
Kevin Malcuit-6/10- One of the best performers for his team as he caused few problems for United down the right side and defended fairly well.
Loic Perrin- 5/10- Could have done better in stopping the goal, but the captain only improved his performances as the game progressed.
Kevin Theophile-Catherine -4/10- Probably accountable for the goal as he allowed United to build their play up. Was often caught out in defense and looked flat-footed when United broke forward.
Florentin Pogba-5/10- Had few problems defensively when United moved forward quickly, but he was good when in possession and sent in a few good crosses into the box from his side.
Jordan Veretout-7/10- Probably the best player for the French outfit as he put on a really impressive display while moving forward and had a combative element when running back to defend.
Vincent Pajot-5/10- Was relatively good in just moving the ball around to his teammates, a much-improved performance than in the first leg.
Romain Hamouma-6/10- Was not involved too much in the first half but was a spark in the second half, looked dangerous with fancy feet when he was cutting in on either flank.
Robert Beric- 4/10- A game in which the Slovenian had very little impact as he barely saw the ball due to tight marking from Smalling and Bailly.
Henri Saviet-5/10- Not effective in the game but improved until he was subbed off early in the second half.
Kevin Monnet-Paquet- 5/10- Found it very difficult to make things happen but tried his best after the break.
Substitutes-
Fabian Lemoine-5/10- Came on in the second half and did well in midfield but couldn’t do too much.
Jorginho Intima-4/10- Didn’t have much impact as he came on too late and was quiet on the flanks.
Nolan Roux-4/10- Came on for Beric, but didn’t manage to do better than the striker.