UEFA Europa League
Result: Manchester United 3-0 Saint-Etienne
Date: 16 February 2017
Venue: Old Trafford
Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted a hat-trick to hand Manchester United a 3-0 win over Saint-Etienne in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie.
Wayne Rooney once again was not included in the match day squad, while David De Gea was given a rest as Sergio Romero played between the sticks.
The home side broke the deadlock in the 15th minute as Ibrahimovic found the back of net with a free-kick that took a wicked deflection.
United almost doubled their advantage in the 31st minute as Anthony Martial embarked on a fine run from inside his own half, before seeing his low effort saved by Stephane Ruffier.
The French outfit were quite content to sit back and allow United to have the ball, although they hardly threatened on the counter.
Jose Mourinho's men continued to dominate in the opening exchanges, but Ruffier was on hand to deny the hosts a second goal with a couple fine saves in the opening 20 minutes.
The home side should have taken the lead after 69 minutes when Daley Blind picked out Paul Pogba, who rattled the crossbar from close range.
The lead was eventually doubled in the 74th minute as Marcus Rashford surged to the byline to before firing the ball into tho six-yard area, where Ibrahimovic was on hand to slot home.
United were awarded a penalty in the 86th minute when Ibrahimovic was brought down in the box. The Swedish striker stepped up and converted the spot-kick to complete his hat-trick, 3-0.
