:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51106431/605868776.0.jpg)
After a 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord in the first match of the Europa League group stage, Manchester United will be expected to confidently pick up the three points against Zorya Luhansk today.
Tonight’s opponent came away with a point against Fenerbahce in their opening fixture of the competition. Zorya took the lead early in the second half but couldn’t stop Simon Kjaer’s screamer in the last moments of the game which did get a lucky deflection.
Here are three players from the Ukrainian side to keep an eye on tonight.
Artem Gordienko
Since being promoted from the academy to the first team in the summer of 2013, Gordienko has been more or less a regular starter for the club in a defensive midfield role.
His versatility was keyl for Zorya last season, with the 25-year-old having the ability to play as a centre-back and right-back too.
The Ukrainian international is also capable of popping up with a goal or two, showing that he can perform at both ends of the pitch. Gordienko will be looking to make it difficult for United to play effectively in the final third, and his impact for the side will not go unnoticed as he is currently in good form.
Oleksandr Karavayev
After spending last season on loan with Zorya from Shakhtar Donetsk, Karavayev has returned to the Slavutych Arena club for another temporary spell this campaign.
The 23-year-old was the club’s second top goal-scorer last year, 11 goals in all competitions, proving to be a dangerous player from the right side of the pitch.
Karavayev will be looking forward to the match with the Red Devils expected to start Marcos Rojo at left back, a player the Ukrainians will have highlighted as a weak link to exploit.
Zeljko Ljubenovic
Despite being one of the oldest players in the squad, Ljubenovic has played a key role for the side in recent years.
His experience and leadership has been very important for a club that likes to promote and play young players, and he’ll know how to motivate his team-mates for a big game like this.
Ljubenovic plays in the number 10 role behind the striker, where his vision and decision-making makes him a very tough proposition for opposing defenders. Although he isn’t as quick as he once was, the Red Devils shouldn’t underestimate his abilities.