Zorya Luhansk vs Manchester United: Mkhitaryan admits team was below par on way to Europa League knockouts

Jose Mourinho happy with side's performance after wobbly first half against Zorya Luhansk

Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan scores their first goal against Zorya Luhansk in Odessa, Ukraine, on 6 December (Reuters)

Midfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan admitted Manchester United had been below par until his first goal for the club put them on the way to a comfortable 2-0 win away to Zorya Luhansk and a place in the last 32 of the Europa League.

“The first half was a little difficult, not so good,” he said, “because we could not find the last pass. But in the second half we created space for the wingers and the strikers. I was waiting a long time for this goal. My next goal has to be at Old Trafford because I want to score at home.”

Manager Jose Mourinho was delighted with the former Borussia Dortmund player, who has been slow to make an impact since signing in the summer.

"It was a strong mentality," he said of Mkhitaryan's attitude. "He was determined to fight against his difficult adaptation.

"He worked hard physically and tactically - the talent was there, we knew that when we bought him. Now he's playing good - in the Premier League, Europa League and EFL Cup, and now the goal means a little more happiness for him, so I'm very pleased."

Mourinho said he was happy with the performance overall: ““We played well tonight. One thing is to play badly and get bad results, which kills confidence and is more difficult to cope with. When you play well, you have to hope the results will come. The reality is nobody was better than us [in recent weeks], even though we had disappointing results. And in the players' brains, that plays a part.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his seventh goal in six goals to wrap up the victory. But defender Eric Bailly, back after six weeks' absence, was fortunate to avoid a red card after kicking out at substitute Jaba Lipartia.

Players complained of the surface being like rock as their studs clacked on the frozen surface on the eve of the match at the Chornomorets Stadium, but Uefa deemed it playable after overnight heating and two pitch inspections.

“The pitch was better today than yesterday and good enough to pay football on and we appreciate the efforts to give us a good pitch,” Mourinho said.

“There are no miracles in this cold weather, we know it's difficult to have a good pitch, so we appreciate the efforts to give us a good surface.”

Mourinho was understandably relaxed in the post-match press conference, where he spoke of his desire for Zorya to return home, having been forced to leave Luhansk due to the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The United manager also praised the home support, albeit tempered by frustration at some of the antics that will no doubt lead to UEFA disciplinary action.

A laser pen, flare and skirmishes punctuated a night that saw a firecracker landed worryingly close to goalkeeper Sergio Romero in the first half.

“The support was beautiful and they don't need that to make it more beautiful,” he said. “They just make it dangerous for the goalkeeper, so they don't need that.

“The stadium was beautiful, the support was good. Manchester United fans in the top were good too, we just don't need these things.

“Maybe Uefa is not happy and maybe Uefa now takes some money from Zorya, which I think Zorya doesn't deserve.”

Zorya were already out heading into the Group A finale and head coach Yuriy Vernydub was proud of his side's display.

“I told my players not to be worried and to do their best,” he said. “We made a mistake in the middle of the game and Manchester United used it to score the goal. At the end of the game, Man United also scored a goal.

“We want to give our best wishes to them.”

Additional reporting by PA