Manchester United are in the hat for Friday's Europa League quarter-final draw thanks to a 2-1 aggregate win over Russian side FC Rostov.
Spanish wizard Juan Mata scored the only goal of the night at Old Trafford after United's 1-1 draw in Rostov a week ago – and Jose Mourinho is still dreaming of a Europa League Final in Stockholm in May.
It wasn't a classic United display – but apart from a couple of late scares for stand-in keeper Sergio Romero Mourinho's side were worth the victory and all eyes will be on the draw at Uefa HQ.
Victory came at a cost for United, though, with off-key Paul Pogba suffering more misery as he limped off just after half time.
Here are five things Steve Bates learned at Old Trafford...
Jose's taking this seriously
Any doubts about where Jose Mourinho's priorities lie in the remaining weeks of the season were quickly dispelled when Manchester United's team-sheet was revealed.
Apart from keeper David de Gea and injured Anthony Martial all his big names were on the pitch against Rostov.
With his stars still languishing in sixth place, the Old Trafford boss is clearly targeting the Europa League as his best way to qualify for next season's Champions League
A top four domestic finish is looking a a tall order with United facing an energy-sapping six Premier League games in 30 days next month PLUS a two-legged quarter-final tie in the Europa League.
Add to that away games at Arsenal and Tottenham on the League final run-in in May and it's little wonder Jose is aiming to be in the Europa League Final in Stockholm on May 24.
Daley Blind's (unwitting) dig at Manchester City
Dutchman Daley Blind took a swipe at rivals Manchester City who are licking their wounds after crashing out of the Champions League following their disastrous defeat at Monaco.
Writing in the club programme United Review, utility star Blind said: “It's a good job we scored an away goal in Rostov but , of course, we wanted to finish the game 1-0 in Russia.
“But they came back to 1-1 and then you can do two things: you can attack or you can be a bit smarter and know there's a second leg. We chose the second option” said the defender.
With City boss Pep Guardiola hammered for his suicidal 'you attack, we attack' policy in Monaco, Blind's sensible safety-first approach would have struck a chord with dismayed City fans.
But there was no offence intended by Blind – United's match programme was printed BEFORE City played in Monaco.
Mourinho's case for the defence
Jose Mourinho can barely hide his dislike of Antonio Conte – but maybe he has a sneaking admiration for Chelsea's Italian boss.
Because for the third game running the United chief deployed a three-man defence – just like Conte.
Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo were his chosen men in defence but Rostov attack struggled to lay a meaningful glove on stand-in keeper Sergio Romero until late in the game when Aleksander Bukharov almost sneaked an equaliser.
Once again, though, United proved they are getting meaner at the back – but they'll have far stiffer tests than this one in the Europa League.
Zlatan's still the main man
He didn't score, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic still had a decisive influence on Manchester United.
The super-Swede has bagged an astonishing 26 goals for United so far this season and is a contender for Footballer of the Year after his first season in the Premier League.
And although he wasn't on the scoresheet he came mighty close. Twice he hit the woodwork in the first half and just when United seemed to be toiling he unlocked the door to victory.
His audacious flick from Henrikh Mkhitaryan's 70 minute cross into the box was perfect for Juan Mata who steered the ball into an empty net to send United into the quarter finals.
Marouane Fellaini is feeling the love
It wasn't that long ago that big midfielder Marouane Fellaini was public enemy number one at United after giving away a penalty at Everton which cost them victory.
Now he's everyone's favourite and it seems – with Jose Mourinho probably his biggest fan
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