Outstanding performance from Zlatan Ibrahimovic proved the difference for Manchester United as his second-half strike saw the Red Devils past Zorya on Thursday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s header handed Manchester United a 1-0 Europa League win against Zorya at Old Trafford on Thursday, with captain Wayne Rooney again benched by Jose Mourinho.
Despite Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and a string of star names being named in Mourinho’s side, United could not break down the visitors’ stubborn back line until deep in the second half.
Marcus Rashford hit the crossbar before the interval with a vicious shot from inside the box, but a game of few chances appeared to be drifting towards a draw that would have left United at risk of an early European exit.
Mourinho sent for Rooney after 67 minutes and he was soon involved in United’s opener, albeit inadvertently, as his mishit shot looped up for Ibrahimovic to head home from a yard out, the seventh different club the Swede has scored for in European action.
Having lost 1-0 at Feyenoord in their group opener, United needed a positive response against the Ukrainian side to boost their qualification hopes and they face a tough double-header against Fenerbahce next.
United are third in Group A despite their win, behind Fenerbahce and leaders Feyenoord, while Zorya bring up the rear with a single point from their two matches.