C3: Pogba sends Manchester to quarterfinals, "Ibra" was not enough in Milan - France 24

Milan (AFP)

Paul Pogba stole the show from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to send Manchester United to the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a decisive kick (1-0), barely entering the field after the break, at the expense of AC Milan, Thursday at San Siro.

This short victory is enough for the happiness of the "Red Devils" after the draw in the first leg at Old Trafford (1-1).

A success that took shape from the resumption, with the entry into play of the Frenchman absent from the field since February 6, and that has not succeeded in contesting Milan, despite the entry into play of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, also of return from injury, for the last 25 minutes.

Barely entered into play, Pogba showed his technique and his composure to send under the bar of Gianluigi Donnarumma a ball that was trailing, all in a closed angle (49th).

This elimination will maintain the "blues" of Italian football: without a club in the quarter-finals in the Champions League, the tifosi now only have Roma, who did not miss the roller coaster in C3, to vibrate on the continental scene.

Until half-time, Milan (qualified with the 0-0) yet mastered the debates.

Well helped by the very low tempo of this first act between a Manchester identical to that which had beaten West Ham (1-0) on Sunday in the league and the Rossoneri deprived of many holders, with the young Frenchman Pierre Kalulu in the right side.

- "Ibra" convalescent -

Without a valid center forward (Leao, Rebic and Mandzukic injured and Ibrahimovic on the bench for his return after an adductor injury), Stefano Pioli had bet on Samu Castillejo, usually exiled in the right lane.

Despite this poor attack, the Rossoneri got the best opportunities, with Hakan Calhanoglu (24th) and Rade Krunic (45th).

The whole under the eye, however not reassured of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with the closed face on the edge of the field vis-a-vis a Milan clearly less dashing than to go.

Just before the break, the Swede left to warm up but it was Paul Pogba who entered to replace Marcus Rashford in a left winger role.

Winning entry that changed the scenario of the match, with the goal of the Frenchman on the first real pressure stroke in Mancunian.

Stefano Pioli had no choice but to count on Ibrahimovic, thrown into the bath 25 minutes from time.

The Swede will have had few balls to shine but a center could have been enough: higher than Luke Shaw, he put a good head butt well pushed back Dean Henderson (74th).

Manchester, who in the first leg was joined at the very end of the match, has not cracked this time.

And the precious Pogba could even have made a double blow on a head from a little above (88th).

The "Red Devils" - and the Blues - can rejoice in this return.

The Swedes know that next week they will find an "Ibra" who is still recovering.

© 2021 AFP