Rostov vs Manchester United as it happened: Jose Mourinho's men come away from Russia with draw
Relive United's 1-1 Europa League draw at the Olimp-2 Stadium
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United's Russian assignment proved as tough as expected, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan's strike on Rostov's quagmire pitch could prove crucial after the first instalment of this Europa League last-16 encounter ended in a credible draw.
As if a 3,750-mile round trip was not enough, United were greeted by a surface so poor that Jose Mourinho wanted UEFA to call the first leg off - a request that unsurprisingly fell on deaf ears.
The wretched Olimp-2 stadium surface made a difficult trip all the harder, with Aleksandr Bukharov cancelling out Mkhitaryan's first-half strike to leave the score at 1-1 ahead of next week's return leg at Old Trafford.
But Mourinho's frustration at being pegged back by Rostov - a side that have beaten Bayern Munich and Ajax at home this season - will likely be tempered by the relief of seemingly avoiding injuries on this pitch.
- Jose Mourinho readies his excuses as Manchester United prepare to play on Rostov's 'field-like' pitch
- Jose Mourinho's Manchester United selection plans left in tatters over the condition of Rostov's pitch
- Manchester United ban supporter for making offensive comments about disabled fans
- Jose Mourinho ready to shelve Manchester United's top four chase in favour of Europa League
- Paul Pogba needs room to grow, not constant criticism, at Manchester United
What time is kick-off?
The game takes place on Thursday, March 9, with kick off taking place at 6pm GMT.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 2 HD.
It’s a big game for…
Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian is expected to return from a hamstring injury on Thursday night having spent a number of weeks on the sideline. Should he feature, Mkhitaryan will be eager to hit the ground running in a bid to remind Mourinho what the side has been missing. Rostov will be no pushover though and the winger will need to have all his wits about him if he’s to stand any chance of impressing at the Olimp-2 Stadium.
Interesting fact…
Rostov supporters have organised a delivery of blankets for visiting United fans ahead of Thursday's match, according to state-owned Russian news channel Rossiya 24. The initiative, which is known as 'Gentle Fan', will see blankets handed out at the visitors' entrance to the ground, to ensure the fans will be warm enough. A touching gesture.
Player to watch…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A man as hardened and experienced as Ibrahimovic should be in his element on Thursday night. As the old saying goes: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Indeed, expect plenty of fight and bite from the big Swede as he attempts to lead United’s front-line in what will be punishing conditions.
Form guide…
Rostov: WDWDDL
Manchester United: DWWWWW
Odds…
Rostov to win: 4/1
Manchester United to win: 39/50
Draw: 12/5
83 mins: A good opportunity for Anthony Martial. The Frenchman picks the ball up on the left, shapes into the Rostov penalty area and strikes a dangerous cross-cum-shot with his right, which is deflected clear.
86 mins: Rostov are ending the match very strongly and United are looking increasingly ragged. Poloz puts in a superb cross for Azmoun to chase, but he's shrugged off it by Jones, before Erokhin almost bursts through the United defence. Romero is quick off his line to snatch the ball, though.
89 mins: One final chance for Rostov? Smalling has just conceded a corner and Rostov have just about everybody up...
90 mins: But it's a disappointing delivery and Fellaini clears.
Pogba then mindlessly shoves over Gatcan and Rostov have another chance to lump it in the mixer.
90 mins +1: There's going to be three additional minutes.
Gatcan is again the man in the thick of the action, winning the header at the back post, but the referee penalises the Rostov midfielder for shoving his man out of the way. United make two subs, and that could well be that.
FULL-TIME: Rostov 1 Manchester United 1
Fellaini has a whiff of a half-chance late on but can't squeeze a shot on target. Rostov hold United to a draw, but United have the away goal. You would think that will be enough to see them through.
Here are five things we learned from United's 1-1 draw in Russia.
And yes, the pitch does make an appearance...
Which Manchester United players impressed during the 1-1 draw in Russia? Find out here...
Thanks for joining us for coverage of this match. Make sure you join us this time next week for coverage of the second-leg, as United attempt to book their spot in the quarter-finals.