Manchester United’s progress to the Europa League quarterfinals was overshadowed by the world’s most expensive player Paul Pogba’s injury, while their biggest rival in the tournament emerged as Lyon eliminated Roma on Thursday.
The Red Devils beat Russian side Rostov 1-0 at Old Trafford, bringing it to an aggregate of 2-1 after both sides tied at 1-1 on a bad-quality pitch in the first leg.
However, the Premier League side had no reason to feel happy about their success, as Pogba was replaced by Marouane Fellaini due to an apparent hamstring injury early in the second half.
The only goal came from Juan Mata, who benefited from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s back-heel pass inside the box on 70 minutes.
Man United has focused on the tournament, as the titleholder will book an automatic spot in next season’s Champions League. Now ranked sixth in the Premier League, the Red Devils might find that the second-tier European tournament is an easier path to complete that mission, as only the top four in the league can secure Champions League qualification.
Team manager Jose Mourinho expected Pogba to be sidelined around three weeks, forcing him to withdraw from the clash with Middlesbrough in the league, in addition to his French national duties.
Meanwhile, Lyon visited Roma with a 4-2 advantage after the first leg. Mouctar Diakhaby put Lyon ahead in the 16th minute, before Roma made a comeback through Kevin Strootman’s shot and Lucas Tousard’s own goal, but it was not enough to turn around the matchup as Lyon went through on 5-4.
In an all-German clash, Schalke saw off Moenchengladbach on away goals, after both sides tied at 3-3 after two legs.
The other five quarterfinalists are Anderlecht, Ajax, Celta Vigo, Beskitas and Genk.
The draw for Europa League quarterfinals will be held in Nyon on Friday.