Manchester United's Jose Mourinho explains why Paul Pogba took the first penalty and Anthony Martial the second.

Manchester United had hardly set the world alight in the Europa League ahead of Thursday night's game against Fenerbahce. There was probably greater anticipation from the fans for the return of Robin van Persie, the player who had been integral to their 20th and last title win, than there was for the game.

It was probably no surprise then that Van Persie's goal was cheered by all four stands in United's 4-1 victory. But in the end, it was Paul Pogba who stole the show with two first half goals to buy himself some time with the critics who have been circling.

Were United great or were Fenerbahce dreadful? It was probably a bit of both, but Jose Mourinho will be pleased that a team containing so many fringe players could play so well and score so many.

Positives

We've seen plenty of brilliant strikes from Pogba wearing a Juventus shirt but United fans were left happy when he scored one for them to put the game to bed before half-time. He walked off to a standing ovation when he was substituted.

It's not often that a team finds themselves 2-0 up without having created a chance, but that was the position United were in thanks to two first half penalties. Following a few weeks of failing to put away chances, United were incredibly efficient in front of goal.

Negatives

Chris Smalling going off at half-time is a worry ahead of this weekend's game against Chelsea, particularly if Marcos Rojo is the best option United have to replace him.

Manager rating out of 10

9 -- Mourinho got it right tonight. United played attractive football and won convincingly.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK David De Gea, 7 -- After a quiet first half, De Gea made a great save just before the break when one-on-one. There wasn't much he could have done for the goal but he did get down quickly at 4-1 to prevent them scoring a second.

DF Matteo Darmian, 7 -- Won the ball back well on several occasions and got down the right flank well. Considering he's barely played this season, he didn't look at all rusty.

DF Eric Bailly, 7 -- Another solid performance as per usual. His defending is spot on but he has also shown he can bring the ball out well too. He played a brilliant ball forward to Darmian when the fans had started to get restless before the goals started going in.

DF Chris Smalling, 7 -- Repeatedly showed great strength in the air when the ball was played long. He dealt with everything that came his way before going off at half-time.

DF Luke Shaw, 7 -- Put in a good shift at left-back, doing enough in his fight to replace Daley Blind in the first team. Still not at his sharpest but looking well on his way back.

MF Michael Carrick, 7 -- Played a deeper role to allow Pogba to go further forward when United were in possession. Nothing spectacular but he did his job well.

MF Paul Pogba, 8 -- Under plenty of pressure following a few unimpressive performances, Pogba put United ahead from the penalty spot, before scoring a fantastic goal just before half-time. He was still guilty of a few mistakes where he gave possession away carelessly, but his second goal was the best we've seen from United this season.

Paul Pogba was under pressure to perform after some so-so games but the Frenchman hit back in style vs. Fenerbahce.

FW Jesse Lingard, 7 -- After working hard throughout the first half without managing to have a huge say in the game, he rolled the ball back to pal Pogba to set up his thunderbolt. Minutes into the second half, he scored a great goal from outside the box.

FW Juan Mata, 7 -- Busier in the first half than in the second, as is often the case. Played a good ball through to Rooney before putting in a great cross to Martial at the back post. He took down a ball brilliantly before getting flattened to win a penalty. Had a late chance to make it 5-0 but hit it straight at the goalkeeper.

FW Anthony Martial, 7 -- After a great run in to the box, Martial won a penalty and scored it to put United 2-0 up. Having had such a stop-start season so far, he looked good this evening.

ST Wayne Rooney, 6 -- Rooney has stood out as the weak link all season but this was probably one of his better performances. Made a few good runs and decent balls forward, particularly one to Mata in the second half. Still lost possession far too often and fluffed some good chances.

Substitutes

DF Marcos Rojo, 5 -- Replaced Smalling at half-time. Fenerbahce saw more of the ball in the second half and he seemed to cope.

FW Memphis Depay, 6 -- Replaced Lingard with 25 minutes to play. Almost set up Martial for United's fifth but his pass just didn't have quite enough on it. Then he created a chance for himself when running in to the box but ran out of space.

MF Timothy Fosu-Mensah, NR -- Trusted in midfield by Mourinho and did well. Outmuscled a few of his opponents. Had a late effort on goal from distance but it was too tame for the goalkeeper.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by SCOTT PATTERSON

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