Manchester United

Odion Ighalo has said he "never imagined" he would end up playing for Manchester United when he was a Red Devils supporter as a child. 

The Nigerian joined United on loan from Chinese club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua in January until the end of 2019-20.

It was a surprising, and for some underwhelming, move but necessary after Marcus Rashford was sidelined with a back injury in United's FA Cup replay against Wolverhampton Wanderers in January:

Erling Haaland to possibly Odion Ighalo on loan is one hell of a comedown for #MUFC during this transfer window.

— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) January 31, 2020

The 30-year-old striker has made a positive impact at United, scoring four goals in three starts, including a stunner against LASK in last week's 5-0 UEFA Europa League victory:

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1238442184094801920

Honestly Odion Ighalo that is just rude 😍 pic.twitter.com/3BiE4fTXVM

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 12, 2020

Despite being a childhood United fan, Ighalo said he never believed he would actually end up playing for them, per beIN Sports (h/t Goal's James Westwood):

"When you say those kinds of things (about playing for United when he was a child), people say 'are you crazy?' because back then you don't even know what the future holds. First you just want to go outside the country to start playing—even for a small team, not even to talk of going to United.

"But my support for the team was great. I tried to see every game of United every weekend if possible. I still remember those memories. I never imagined it was going to turn out this way. Even when I played in the Premier League for Watford, I never thought this was going to happen."

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hinted after the match against LASK that the club could make Ighalo's loan deal permanent if he continues in his current vein of form:

"Let's see what we do" - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the possibility of making a permanent move for Odion Ighalo after the striker continued his excellent start to life at #MUFC with a stunning strike at LASK pic.twitter.com/ucaLcsJQMJ

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) March 13, 2020

As an orthodox No. 9, he is the type of player United have been missing since they sold Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan last summer.

Rashford and Anthony Martial have stepped up their goalscoring this term to make up for the absence of a traditional striker. But United are lacking the goals they need to compete for the Premier League title again.

After 29 games of the 2019-20 season, the Red Devils have scored 44 league goals and are on track to finish the campaign with a tally around 58.

That would be seven goals fewer than they managed last season, and 28 fewer than they scored in 2012-13, the last time they won the title.

Ighalo's best return in a Premier League season is the 15 he scored for Watford in 2015-16.

He is not going to solve United's goalscoring problems totally, and the Red Devils will likely still need to spend big on a front-line striker in the summer.

But Ighalo has already shown he can be a fantastic squad player who can make telling contributions both as a starter and a substitute. 

Bruno Fernandes has said he "didn't think twice" about joining Manchester United from Sporting CP in January and that a move to Old Trafford was his priority once the transfer was viable.

The Red Devils signed Fernandes for £46.5 million (€55 million) plus €25 million in add-ons, per the Guardian's Jamie Jackson.

The Portugal international has enjoyed a fast start to life at United and quickly become a key member of the side. Fernandes told Sky Sports' Laura Woods how badly he wanted to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's ranks:

"The decision was easy because when I had the chance to come, I didn't think twice. I talked with Sporting, who had already had some discussions with Man United about my transfer and when they talk with me, I told them my first choice was Man United and it's what I need for my career.

"I see the same team from one month ago. I think we are the same and have a lot of hunger to win, to give a lot, to do better and better in every game. In the last month, we've had a lot of really good games and I think we can talk about a new start after Bruno, but it's not about Bruno, it's about the team."

United are on an 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions, with Fernandes playing a role in their progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals and the UEFA Europa League last 16.

Team-mate Scott McTominay told reporters in March of the impact Fernandes has had at Old Trafford since moving from the Primeira Liga, via the Manchester Evening News:

🗣️ "We need that creativity, we need that spark from somebody"

🎥 Scott McTominay explains the impact Bruno Fernandes has had on the Manchester United squad #mufc pic.twitter.com/9qbBmGHsY3

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) March 12, 2020

The playmaker has scored three goals in nine total appearances for Solskjaer's side since he joined, directly contributing to a goal in all but two of his eight starts.

One of his four assists came for the opener in United's 2-0 win at home to Manchester City on Sunday, when he was seen doing a shushing gesture to opposition manager Pep Guardiola while his team led by one.

Fernandes addressed that interaction and hinted at the competitive nature many of his new fans have come to enjoy during the interview with Woods:

🔴 Why he joined Manchester United
🔴 On his new song from United fans
🔴 Following in Cristiano's footsteps
🔴 Shushing Pep Guardiola

Bruno Fernandes sat down with @laura_woodsy to look back on a whirlwind start to 2020 for him and his family

More: https://t.co/ACbNCsuu9o pic.twitter.com/i4pSw8pCN6

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 14, 2020

United have notched two wins over City and beaten Chelsea once during their current unbeaten streak, conceding just two goals in their last 990 minutes of play.

It's possible Fernandes' presence has also had a major effect helping the defensive line to settle and feel more at ease, though Statman Dave highlighted his influence on the ball as being substantial:

Bruno Fernandes p90 in the Premier League:

4.8 passes into final 1/3
3.8 shots (1.4 on target)
3.2 accurate long balls
2.2 chances created
2.0 tackles won
0.6 xG+xA
0.6 assists
0.4 goals

What an impact he has had. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Hi3qQVLPTv

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 14, 2020

He remained modest despite suggestions his arrival has helped spark new fortunes for this United team:

"The team needs the right focus, the right decisions at the time and I think also if Bruno doesn't come, Man United would win the same because one player doesn't change a team. A team changes when everyone pushes together for the same side. When I arrived, I saw the team pushing for the same side and to win games, get better and I'm another player to help."

Fernandes signed a contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025, with the option of an additional year.

Supporters will hope their new signing's smooth start with United is a precursor for great things to come during his time at the club.

Former Manchester United player Wes Brown has praised the recent form of the club's defenders.

United are enjoying their best spell of the 2019-20 season, with their 5-0 win over LASK on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League their latest fine result in a run of 11 games undefeated. In the Premier League, they are fifth and just three points behind Chelsea, who occupy fourth spot.

While Bruno Fernandes' arrival has added a spark to the team's attacking play, United have also made strides in defence.

Brown told Charlotte Duncker of Goal he's been impressed by the manner in which they have shored up:

"It has just started to click because they have been given time. [Victor] Lindelof and [Harry] Maguire have been brilliant.

"[Aaron] Wan-Bissaka is doing exactly what I thought he would do, he is a great defender and he's improving all the time with his attacking skills. And then there's [Luke] Shaw and [Brandon] Williams who have good competition between each other which is pushing them both on."

Brown also praised Eric Bailly, who has been back in contention for a starting berth recently, highlighting his display in the 2-0 win over Chelsea.

The utdreport Twitter account provided the numbers behind the team's excellent form:

Manchester United are now unbeaten in 11 games, keeping nine clean sheets and scoring 29 goals pic.twitter.com/ILNiHku18S

— utdreport (@utdreport) March 12, 2020

According to WhoScored.com's model, the Red Devils had some of the Premier League's most in-form defenders in February:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League Team of the Month - February@ManUtd 4⃣@Arsenal 2⃣@SpursOfficial 1⃣ @LFC 1⃣ @Wolves 1⃣ @WestHam 1⃣ @Everton 1⃣

Full article 👉 https://t.co/IXfqOXjqqK pic.twitter.com/66gZ7bVthC

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) March 3, 2020

Last season, the defensive frailties in the United team continually cost the side, and early in this campaign, there were signs of vulnerability at the back. However, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has found a working formula.

While Lindelof and Shaw have been solid, the two major summer acquisitions made by the club in Maguire and Wan-Bissaka have arguably made the biggest difference to their defensive fortunes. 

Maguire took the captain's armband in January and has led the side brilliantly. He appeared hindered by the tag of being the most expensive defender of all time at the start of the season, but he's found his best form since the turn of the year.

Meanwhile, Wan-Bissaka has proved himself to be a colossal defensive presence on the right flank. Jamie Carragher recently analysed how effective the full-back is in one-on-one duels:

Analysis of Wan-Bissaka & Raheem Sterling!

pic.twitter.com/7N6XoA0A9m

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 9, 2020

Per Statman Dave, the 22-year-old appears to be improving the attacking side of his game too:

Open play chances created in the PL since the start of 2020:

11 - Aaron Wan-Bissaka
10 - Trent Alexander-Arnold

If I speak... 😉 pic.twitter.com/vQDr2GhCXF

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 9, 2020

With the defence flourishing, United fans will be keen to see how their forward play can benefit from the solid foundation. Both Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba have been absent because of injury, and their chemistry with January signing Fernandes will be interesting to see when they return.

United's season appeared to be on course for an exciting conclusion, but Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League football has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Premier League has said the earliest the competition will resume is April 4.

Birmingham City head coach Pep Clotet has said Jude Bellingham is focused on his club amid continued speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The 16-year-old has starred in the Championship this term and has been linked with a high-profile move at the end of the campaign. However, Clotet has said he doesn't think the teenager's mind is on a transfer.

"I always thought he is very mature and very focused—but he has to be," he said, per Sacha Pisani of Goal. "Because he cannot be thinking about other things than Birmingham City—and I am sure he is only thinking about Birmingham City. That's the feeling I get from him when I speak to him and work with him."

United have been linked with a move for the youngster throughout the 2019-20 season.

According to Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, the player's parents recently met with Red Devils executives after the midfielder was given permission to start talks over a possible transfer. Interest from "numerous clubs" is mentioned, including Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

Bellingham's contract with Birmingham is poised to expire at the end of next season, meaning it's likely the Championship team will cash in on him this summer.

The youngster made his debut for Birmingham in August, becoming the club's youngest-ever player. Overall, he's made 35 appearances in all competitions, grabbing four goals in the process.

One of those came earlier in the campaign away at Charlton Athletic:

1️⃣6️⃣

Bellingham closing in... #EFL | @BCFC pic.twitter.com/ndJFZKF7Bs

— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) September 15, 2019

In his fledgling career, the midfielder's elegance on the ball, physicality and awareness have been his standout qualities. However, there's also a tenacious side to his game that will impress any club keeping tabs on him.

Per WhoScored.com, while Bellingham may only be 16, he is not one to shirk a tackle:

Only two players to have played at least 2000 minutes of Championship football this season have averaged more tackles per 90 minutes than Jude Bellingham (3.2)

The 16-year-old midfielder is reportedly following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho with a move to Borussia Dortmund pic.twitter.com/3Q1O2dQ1QL

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) March 4, 2020

With that in mind, it's not a shock to see so many high-profile clubs in the race for the 16-year-old. 

Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette believes the midfielder is talented enough to be worth a significant investment from the Old Trafford outfit:

When you think what Sancho has done at BVB, & how his value has gone through the roof, paying a sizeable fee for Bellingham now makes complete sense. This isn't a risk for #MUFC. Pay now & loan him back to Birmingham. Everyone is happy. But dont blink, all the top sides want him.

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) March 9, 2020

After the big-money signing of Bruno Fernandes in January, competition in midfield is fierce at United, especially with Paul Pogba set to come back into the side after recovering from injury. As such, if Bellingham wants to continue playing football regularly, a switch to Dortmund may make more sense.

However, it appears United are leading the race for the Birmingham tyro. All the indications are that he would be a smart addition to what is an exciting young squad at Old Trafford.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said the Red Devils required a lot of change after Jose Mourinho's time in charge of the club. 

The Norwegian replaced Mourinho at the helm in December 2018 with the team sixth in the Premier League table but closer in points to the relegation zone than the top.

Solskjaer told reporters how he needed to make significant changes in a bid to improve the squad he had inherited from the Portuguese:

"I felt a lot needed to be changed. We've signed four players and lost quite a few and promoted from within, lots of youngsters.

"I don't know how dramatic those changes have been. I don't think it feels dramatic for the squad and the ones that were here. We needed certain pieces in the puzzle and they've worked.

"It's not just about tactics, it's about the players. I've got great staff. I've got a philosophy I think is worthy of this club. I'm a red and I think I know what this club needs."

The Red Devils won 14 of their first 19 matches under Solskjaer which saw the club offer him a three-year deal as their full-time manager.

However, the club's form fell away after a bright start to life under their new boss and they ended the season without a trophy and down in sixth place in the table.

Solskjaer's side have shown real signs of improvement in 2020 and are currently on an 11-match unbeaten streak. They remain in contention in the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League and are fifth in the table.

The arrival of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting CP has helped the club turn their fortunes around, while striker Ogion Ighalo also arrived in the January window and has proven a handy signing:

Man Utd’s January signings:

🇳🇬 Odion Ighalo

• 349 minutes played
• 4G & 1A
• G/A every 70 minutes

🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes

• 667 minutes played
• 3G & 4A
• G/A every 95 minutes

Some useful additions... 👀 pic.twitter.com/rOdjuG3Z09

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 12, 2020

Solskjaer has also been willing to trust in the club's young players. Left-back Brandon Williams has started 18 games for the Red Devils in 2019-20 and has impressed in defence, while Mason Greenwood has paid his manager's faith in attack:

Twelve goals for Mason Greenwood now. Not many people believed OGS in the summer when he said MG would get goals this season.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) March 12, 2020

Manchester United still have top scorer Marcus Rashford and midfielder Paul Pogba to come back from injury which will increase optimism at Old Trafford that they can enjoy a strong finish to the campaign.

Manchester United winger Daniel James said he brings "more than goals" to the team after ending his scoring drought on Thursday.

The Wales international was on the scoresheet against LASK, helping United to secure a 5-0 win away from home in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie. Odion Ighalo, Juan Mata, Mason Greenwood and Andreas Pereira also netted.

Speaking after the game, James spoke to MUTV about his relief at breaking his goalless run but said he thinks there are other positive traits he brings to the side (h/t Chris Burton of Goal):

"Maybe I haven't scored as many goals as I wanted to recently. I got off to a good start but recently it has not been at the standards that I have wanted to be.

"Thanks to all of the coaches, the manager for trusting in me, working with me every day. I had that chance in the first half and I was a bit gutted about it, but it was just about going out there and if I got the chance, they said to drive and have shots. That's what I did and thankfully it went in.

"...You can score in every game, you can improve and look back on what you can do more. As a player, I give a lot more than goals, I try to create them and work hard for the team, but [against LASK] was about getting off the mark and now I can capitalise to get more now."

BT Sport shared the goal, which was United's second of the night, with James capitalising on some good work from Ighalo:

"The goal drought is over!"

Daniel James bags his first goal in 32 games his relief is clear to see 🙏 pic.twitter.com/1E14gUhPqM

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 12, 2020

Per Squawka Football, the strike had been a long time coming for the former Swansea City man:

Daniel James has scored his first goal for Man Utd in any competition since August 31st, against Southampton.

Dan's drought is finally over. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/TmO1ygtiYd

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 12, 2020

The winger made a huge impact at United earlier in the campaign, netting on his debut against Chelsea as a substitute and establishing himself in the side thereafter.

James continued his strong start to life in the Premier League with goals against Crystal Palace and Southampton before the end of August, but he's since found it more difficult to take opportunities. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope Thursday's effort can restore the Welshman's confidence when he does get into dangerous positions.

As Statman Dave highlighted, United have spread around the goals in the Europa League this season:

Man Utd have had 12 different scorers in the Europa League this season, more than any other club in the competition.

Daniel James the latest. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 pic.twitter.com/dwCOkxuTnz

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 12, 2020

James does offer plenty to the team when he starts, with his searing speed and relentless work rate enough to cause problems for opposition defenders.

While he helped United to almost certainly secure a last-eight spot in the Europa League, the competition's conclusion is doubtful. UEFA announced on Friday that the second legs scheduled for March 19 have been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised on-loan forward Odion Ighalo and hinted the club may look to bring back the striker next season. 

Ighalo continued his impressive start to life at United on Thursday, scoring a brilliant goal in a 5-0 win at LASK in the UEFA Europa League.

While some eyebrows were raised when the Red Devils brought in the former Watford man, the striker has proved critics wrong and has already netted four goals. Solskjaer said the type of qualities he brings to the team will be needed at Old Trafford next season:

"Odion has done really well since he came in and he's enjoying himself. And he will improve and get better but he has qualities we saw in him and we needed and we will still need those qualities for next season, so let's see what we will do.

"He's a goalscorer and a striker, he doesn't worry too much about all that nonsense; build-up play—that's a joke, obviously. 

"He knows his job and what his role in the team is, and he's very good with his back to goal, great link player, but maybe the best thing about him is his personality, so he's got the whole lot really."

Here is more of what Solskjaer had to say following Thursday's match, per Simon Peach of the Press Association:

"Let's see what we do" - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the possibility of making a permanent move for Odion Ighalo after the striker continued his excellent start to life at #MUFC with a stunning strike at LASK pic.twitter.com/ucaLcsJQMJ

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) March 13, 2020

Ighalo's goal was the best he has scored for the club so far; he juggled the ball on the edge of the area before lashing in a left-footed strike from distance. BT Sport shared all of his United goals:

Silky first touch ✔️
Great hold-up play ✔️
Clinical finishing ✔️

Odion Ighalo is loving life at Man Utd and the fans are loving him too 🙌

Three starts, four goals! pic.twitter.com/C2uCAdwRqx

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 13, 2020

With Marcus Rashford sidelined because of injury, United needed some reinforcements at the top end of the pitch. The man on loan from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua has provided excellent cover.

While Ighalo has yet to start in the Premier League for the Red Devils, he's been excellent in the cup competitions. He's scored different kinds of goals to help United advance in the Europa League and FA Cup, and it's clear how much he's cherishing his time at Old Trafford.

Alex Shaw of ESPN praised the striker after another accomplished performance on Thursday:

I really like Ighalo. Aside from all the wholesomeness of his story, he has quality. Bangs them in.

— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) March 12, 2020

United are likely to be in the market for a centre-forward in the summer. While Anthony Martial has performed well at the point of the attack, the team have occasionally looked a little one-dimensional and in need of a different kind of presence. Ighalo has been able to provide that.

Nevertheless, it's still early days in the striker's Old Trafford tenure, and at the age of 30, the Red Devils may look to someone who can provide more of a long-term option. The fact that a permanent deal appears to be under some consideration is testament to the Nigerian and the manner in which he's been able grasp this opportunity.

Paul Pogba will still be wearing a Manchester United shirt next season, according to his manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The United chief made the confident prediction about Pogba's future after watching the Red Devils thrash LASK 5-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League last 16 on Thursday:

Solskjaer on Pogba's future: "Paul's our player. He has two years left on his contract, a year plus the option of another. You can expect Paul to be here [next season], yeah." #mufc

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) March 12, 2020

Pogba's status has become a source of persistent speculation during recent months. His lengthy absence because of recurring ankle problems has limited the Frenchman to six starts across all competitions.

Questions about Pogba's commitment to the United cause and his consistency on the pitch often swirl. Such doubts have only increased speculation Pogba will ply his trade elsewhere next season.

In February, his agent, Mino Raiola, said his former club, Juventus, were interested in securing Pogba's services. Meanwhile, The Sun's Chris Hanlon reported Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are ready to pay £100 million for the mercurial midfielder.

Despite the marquee suitors, Pogba has decided to stay in the red half of Manchester, according to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail. His decision is said to have been motivated, in part, by the performances of United's January signing Bruno Fernandes.

The latter has impressed thanks to his keen eye for goal, relentless engine and ability to play defence-splitting passes:

Man Utd’s January signings:

🇳🇬 Odion Ighalo

• 349 minutes played
• 4G & 1A
• G/A every 70 minutes

🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes

• 667 minutes played
• 3G & 4A
• G/A every 95 minutes

Some useful additions... 👀 pic.twitter.com/rOdjuG3Z09

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 12, 2020

Those are all talents Pogba's possesses when fully motivated. Still just 26, Pogba is a powerhouse who is also blessed with the technique to unlock any defence.

A Pogba and Fernandes double act would increase the flair and potency of a United team clicking into gear. United supporters may soon get a glimpse of what's to come after Solskjaer said the former world-record signing is nearing a comeback:

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms Paul Pogba will return to first team training next week pic.twitter.com/c7w1t7oj6N

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 11, 2020

Solskjaer's men are on a run of 11 games unbeaten in all competitions and have kept nine clean sheets along the way. With a defence developing into something rock solid being supplemented by the extra guile Pogba can provide, United would be legitimate Premier League title contenders next season.

Manchester United took control of their last-16 tie with LASK in the UEFA Europa League thanks to a 5-0 win in the first leg on Thursday night.  

Goals from Odion Ighalo, Daniel James, Juan Mata and substitutes Mason Greenwood and Andreas Pereira were enough for the Red Devils in a game played behind closed doors in Linz, Austria, because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The 2017 winners have built a commanding aggregate lead ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday.

United clicked into gear early and often with Mata and Bruno Fernandes running the show from midfield. Fernandes was producing some smart turns to get away from his markers and create space to play his passes.

Meanwhile, Mata was releasing runners in behind thanks to his vision and technique. The Spaniard played in James for an early shot, but LASK goalkeeper Alexander Schlager was up to the task.

Mata himself went close, but the 31-year-old guided his effort wide amid a melee in the box. Two more promising chances came and went when United centre-backs Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire each headed past the post.

United deserved a breakthrough, and it came on 28 minutes when yet another deft turn from Fernandes allowed him to play in Ighalo, whose neat trio of touches were only bettered by his thunderous shot into the top corner:

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1238170202673725440

The second half began with United still firmly in free-flowing mode. Mata should have made it 2-0 five minutes after the restart, but he scooped his shot over after being picked out by a smart pull-back from Brandon Williams.

United moved into cruise control once Ighalo released James. The winger sped clear, cut inside and angled a low shot into the bottom corner.

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1238181858191515648

"The goal drought is over!"

Daniel James bags his first goal in 32 games his relief is clear to see 🙏 pic.twitter.com/1E14gUhPqM

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 12, 2020

Being two goals to the good was what the visitors deserved based on their craft and endeavour. They continued in the same vein, with left-back Luke Shaw's pace and energy effective on the overlap, while Ighalo bullied the LASK centre-backs.

Events at the other end of the pitch prompted a stop in play when Bailly hobbled off after a clash with LASK striker Klauss. Bailly returned, but James was soon subbed off for Tahith Chong.

It was game, and possibly tie, over when Fred nudged a beautifully disguised pass into the path of Mata, who coolly finished to seal the goal that his performance merited:

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1238187948950073349

Juan Mata makes it 3-0 to Man Utd...

But this one is all about the Fred assist 🔥

Solskjaer's men are cruising! pic.twitter.com/1HAsKuLEXi

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 12, 2020

Moments before, Fred had survived a penalty claim when VAR ruled he was not guilty of handball in the box. The Brazilian's reprieve and subsequent assist effectively ended the game, with Ighalo making way for Mason Greenwood in a clear sign United were content with the result.

Yet, there was still time for Greenwood to add some more gloss to the scoreline with a decisive finish after being released by Chong. The tie was effectively salted away in stoppage time when Pereira, who had entered the fray in place of Fernandes, rifled in a fifth from distance, although Schlager should have done better to keep it out.

United are as good as into the next round after a comprehensive and professional performance featuring some eye-catching football. A run of 11 matches unbeaten in all competitions, including nine clean sheets, is proof this is a United team strong enough at both ends to lift another European trophy.

      

What's Next?

LASK's league game at home to Hartberg has been postponed, but United are still scheduled to be away to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has said he shushed Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in the Red Devils' 2-0 win over the champions because "he didn't deserve my respect."

The Portugal international told Sky Sports (h/t the Manchester Evening News' Richard Fay) that he had also been angered by comments made the Spaniard.

"I talked about this with some friends and some people think 'Pep won everything, who is Bruno to diss him?' But I think it is about respect.

"Now, I think outside of the pitch I don't do this again if I am on the pitch now. But, at that moment the words he told me made me mad, and on the pitch, I am a little bit nervous, it is the kind of player I am.

"I have respect for Pep and what he won, and what he did for football because he changed some mentalities in football. But, at that moment, he didn't deserve my respect at that moment on the pitch."

Manchester United won the game through goals by Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay to complete a league double over their local rivals for the first time since 2010.

Fernandes was instrumental to the win, setting up the first goal with a clever free-kick, and he was spotted gesturing at Guardiola toward the end of the game:

Fans go wild as Man United star Bruno Fernandes SHUSHES Pep Guardiola during City win https://t.co/mqStNYgOln pic.twitter.com/4cRrO6PxqH

— Mail Sport (@MailSport) March 9, 2020

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised Fernandes' character after the victory:

“He’s got the X-Factor.”

❍ 8 games
❍ 3 assists
❍ 3 goals
❍ 0 defeats

Ole Gunnar Solskjær clearly loves Bruno Fernandes. 😍 pic.twitter.com/9FNTb8ePgt

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 9, 2020

The 25-year-old has been a big hit at Manchester United since arriving from Sporting CP in the January transfer window for an initial fee of £47 million.

Midfielder McTominay has also praised Fernandes and said he is a "born winner" who has been a "breath of fresh air" for the club, per Daniel Lewis at Goal.

Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette offered his thoughts on the new signing:

Loved how the #MUFC boys fought today. It was a privilege to be there. But Bruno Fernandes is now the brain, heart and lungs of our club. He demands players operate at a higher level. He's a force of nature and the ultimate leader. We are lucky to have him. #MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/yCFc5P9prX

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) March 8, 2020

Fernandes has yet to taste defeat for Manchester United since his arrival and has added creativity and a cutting edge to the club's attack that had been sorely lacking.