Thomas Hein
Manchester United swept aside St Etienne in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash thanks to a hat-trick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The former Paris-Saint Germain striker opened the scoring after a scruffy free-kick after 15 minutes. He then doubled the lead 15 minutes later and scored the third via the penalty spot in the second half to all but assure the Red Devils progress into the next round.
The Red Devils now prepare for an FA Cup tie at the weekend before facing the French team in the away leg.
We look back at the game and share the player ratings for the home side.
Sergio Romero – 6.5/10
The Argentine keeper was given a chance to show what he can do and keeping a clean sheet certainly counts. Romero was tested a couple of times but did well to keep the French side out.
Antonio Valencia – 7/10
The right-back was his normal self again bombing forward and providing support to the attack.
Eric Bailly – 6.5/10
Bailly didn’t have the greatest of starts against the Ligue 1 side but then got into his groove by providing a couple of key blocks in the game.
Chris Smalling – 6/10
The Englishman was a rock at the back for the Premier League side and even suffered a clash of heads in the second half.
Daley Blind – 7/10
The Dutchman has been played in a number of positions but it seems left-back is a decent slot for him. He did pretty well but was lucky not to give away a penalty in the first half.
Ander Herrera – 7.5/10
The Spaniard might be the most underrated player at United. Herrera did his job really well by tackling around the park and keeping possession for the English side.
Marouane Fellaini – 5/10
It was a surprise seeing the Belgian get a start and he struggled to get into the game. The former Everton man was replaced at the start of the second half for Jesse Lingard.
Juan Mata – 7.5/10
Another great display by the Spaniard and it was a shame that he did not score a goal in the first half.
Paul Pogba – 8.5/10
The Frenchman was playing against his brother and he showed just how good he can be. Pogba was brilliant throughout the night and could have scored a couple of goals.
Anthony Martial – 7/10
The Frenchman showed his best abilities by running straight at the opposition defence and causing them problems but was also booked in the game.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 8.5/10
The Swede was great as he took his season’s goal tally to 23 goals, he seems to be getting better with each United game and certainly is doing a great job at the top.
Substitutes:
Jesse Lingard – 5.5/10
The young Englishman was brought in the second half but couldn’t really get into the game and picked up a booking as well.
