Red Devils Cruise Into Europa League Last 16

By Andah John with agency report

Manchester United on Wednesday sealed their place in the last 16 of the Europa League with 4-0 aggregate win over Saint-Etienne.

Henrik Mkhitaryan scored the only goal of the game to ensure the Red Devils, who came into the second leg with 3-0 advantage, cruised into the next round.

United started sharply in front of a noisy home support at a stadium often referred to as ‘The Cauldron’, with Mkhitaryan flicking in Juan Mata’s cross early on to leave the French side needing five goals.

The Armenian departed shortly after and clutched his hamstring as he entered the tunnel, an injury which could impact on manager Jose Mourinho’s team selection for Sunday’s Wembley meeting with Southampton.

And although United had defender Eric Bailly sent off for two bookable offences in the second half, they rarely looked under pressure in securing a place in Friday’s last-16 draw.