Zorya Luhansk 0-2 Man Utd: Henrikh Mkhitaryan stunner helps United into Europa League last 32 By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 08/12/16 10:54pm
Henrikh Mkhitaryan's first goal for Manchester United helped them beat Zorya Luhansk 2-0 and book a spot in the Europa League last 32. It was a superb solo goal from Mkhitaryan, who nutmegged a defender and finished having picked the ball up near the halfway line.Zlatan Ibrahimovic wrapped up the victory with two minutes remaining of normal time, meaning United end their group-stage campaign with 12 points from six matches.Elsewhere, Fenerbahce's 1-0 win at Feyenoord ensured the Turkish outfit finished top of the Group A, one point ahead of Jose Mourinho's side. While there were fears prior to the match that sub-zero condition in Odessa could force the game to be abandoned, kick-off went ahead as scheduled on Thursday evening.
Eric Bailly was welcomed back to the starting line-up - making his first appearance since suffering a knee injury against Chelsea in October - while Sergio Romero started ahead David de Gea in goal.
For all of United's early dominance, it was the hosts who carved out the first opportunity.
A cross found Ihor Kharatin on the edge of the box, and his strike forced Romero to make a smart save before Ivan Petryak smashed the follow-up into the side netting.
Paul Pogba had a few speculative efforts from distance in the first half, but the Frenchman did go close after 18 minutes - shooting narrowly wide from 20 yards out.
The returning Bailly produced the half's standout moment when he teed himself up for an overhead kick following a corner, but unfortunately for the United defender it was straight at the goalkeeper.
Wayne Rooney, who is one goal away from matching Bobby Charlton's record haul of 249 goals for United, came close before the break with a deflected effort but it was well saved by Igor Levchenko in the Zorya goal.
After the break, a moment of magic from Mkhitaryan put United ahead. The 27-year-old latching onto a loose ball before playing it through Rafael Forster's legs and placing it beyond the 'keeper with a calm finish.
United sat back after their opener and Zorya went close to equalising 15 minutes from time, but Romero did well to keep out Mikhail Sivakov's header from point-black range.
As Zorya pushed for a leveller, United punished the hosts on the break in the 88th minute as Pogba played Ibrahimovic in behind the defence - with the Swede finishing coolly for his 13th goal of the season.
Fenerbahce's win at Feyenoord denied United top spot, and Mourinho's side will go into Monday's last 32 draw unseeded.
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