Coming from a goal down, Manchester United prevailed 2-1 at Blackburn to set up an Emirates FA Cup quarterfinal against Chelsea, thanks to strikes from Marcus Rashford and the irrepressible
Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Blackburn were adept in defence and often canny in attack but United's superior creativity wore them down although only after, in a compliment to Blackburn, they summoned two of their biggest stars from the bench.
Positives
Henrikh Mkhitaryan again set the tone, Michael Carrick commanded the midfield, and Paul Pogba and Ibrahimovic were at their most decisive.
Negatives
United had a slow start, with Matteo Darmian and Jesse Lingard ineffectual for long periods. For some time they failed to pass through a massed Blackburn defence, or to exploit the flanks.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Jose Mourinho perhaps made harder work of this than he should have done, with his omission of Luke Shaw a surprise given Darmian's poor form, but his selection of Rashford was bold and his introduction of Pogba and Ibrahimovic was perfectly timed.
Marcos Rashford's strike gives Man united a hope
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Sergio Romero, 6 -- Had to be at his most alert to beat away a swerving drive in the first half. Left alone a dangerous cross in the second and was saved by an offside flag after a poor late fumble.
DF Ashley Young, 7 -- A very diligent and disciplined replacement for Antonio Valencia, getting forward at times with the freedom of the winger he once was.
DF Marcos Rojo, 7 -- Was led a bewildering dance for Blackburn's opener but recovered his poise against smart and swift forwards.
DF Chris Smalling, 7 -- Passed out well from the back and was a steady presence.
DF Matteo Darmian, 5 -- Luke Shaw's omission continues to surprise. Darmian looked unsure in possession and positioning, both in defence and attack.
MF Michael Carrick, 8 -- Some of his long passing was sublime and he struck the ball crisply into feet at all times. Crucial to United's dominance of the ball.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the crucial goal as Man United crept past Blackburn.
MF Ander Herrera, 7 -- Maintained his usual tempo but could not always raise the urgency of his team, nor penetrate so well from a deeper role.
MF Jesse Lingard, 6 -- A poor first half and a slightly better second. His execution did not match his work ethic, with his missed first-half header the summary of his performance.
MF Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 8 -- Provided a sublime pass for Rashford's equaliser and glided through the game, effortlessly finding space and team-mates as he chose.
MF Anthony Martial, 6 -- Sparkled only in patches, often isolated against a cluster of defenders. Their close attention showed their respect for him, though they ultimately saw him off.
FW Marcus Rashford, 7 -- Produced a composed finish for United's equaliser, and his dribbling and movement were a threat until his substitution.
Substitutions
MF Paul Pogba, 8 (for Lingard, 62) -- Helped to decide the game with a magnificent long pass to supply Ibrahimovic's winner. Regularly beat his man off the dribble and kept the ball smartly.
FW Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 8 (for Martial, 62) -- His remarkable scoring form continues. His finish was calm, and his touch and movement elite from the outset.
MF Juan Mata, NR (for Rashford, 89) -- Came on to keep the ball as the clock ran down.
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