Manchester United reached the Europa League quarter-finals as Juan Mata’s second-half strike at Old Trafford secured victory over FC Rostov. Jose Mourinho’s side dominated from the outset, Henrikh Mkhitaryan shooting wide when one-on-one and Zlatan Ibrahimovic twice hitting the post before the break.

Rostov had set up to frustrate their hosts but, after United were disrupted by the loss of Paul Pogba to an apparent hamstring injury, the Russian side briefly threatened to snatch an unlikely lead when Sardar Azmoun forced a decent save out of Sergio Romero.

But as the visitors became more adventurous, United hit them on the break, Ibrahimovic flicking the ball into Mata’s path for the midfielder to fire home from close range. A goal for Rostov would have sent the game to extra time but Romero again made a crucial save right at the end from Christian Noboa’s free-kick. United will find out on Friday who they will play in the quarter-finals, with the draw taking place at 12:00 GMT.

The Nation