The Manchester United Europa League tie against FC Zorya did go on as planned, despite all of the factors that stood in the way. The country of Ukraine is currently a war torn region and Zorya played (and lost 2-0) this “home” match 600 miles west of their actual home venue due to serious security issues.
There was also frozen, hard pitch that gave this game a bit of a hockey feel. Henrikh Mkhitaryan made his presence felt once again, as he continued the fine form that he has showcased as of late.
Mkhitaryan scored the first goal, and his contributions really do make United fans happy that the earlier far out of favor Armenian decided to keep fighting for his spot. Now he’s delivered.
Joining him in the Man United starting XI was another summer transfer window acquisition, Defender Eric Bailly.
Here’s how we’ll line up tonight against Zorya… #MUFC pic.twitter.com/vzW3zBaqoh
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2016
Bailly was the very first signing of the 2016 summer transfer window and his return from injury was a cause for celebration. Here are some of the tweets expressing excitement on this occasion.
Bailly is back! #MUFC https://t.co/QEbu3ik5YU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2016
#MUTVHD: David May's delighted to see Eric Bailly back in the starting XI. #MUFC #UEL https://t.co/OsO1kVHqg4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2016
United needed just a draw to get through but it’s much better to advance via a victory. They only needed one goal to get that result, as Sergio Romero registered a clean sheet, but it’s better to get two goals and Zlatan Ibrahimovic provided the insurance scoring strike. Mkhitaryan was probably the man of the match as most individual player ratings articles placed him the highest of anyone on MUFC.
Bailly was right up there too, just a notch below.
United have now advanced to the round of 32, which will not commence until at least mid-February. Laugh at the Europa League all you want, and it’s certainly comedic fodder, but winning this outright is the best route United have to getting back into Champions League next year.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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