A Rostov man is pulled for handball and Manchester United have a free-kick on the edge of the box.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic over it...

Paul Pogba is operating in the area in front of the back three and is seeing plenty of the ball.

He really needs to dictate the play when in possession.

"Grab the game by the scruff of the neck," as they say.

The Frenchman gets to the edge of the box again, but his left-footed shot is blocked by a Rostov defender.

Image source, Reuters

Simon Stone
BBC Sport at Old Trafford

For the third game running, Manchester United are playing three at the back, with Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo either side of Chris Smalling.

Jose Mourinho is making notes on the touchline. He has gone for grey coat and shoes and black trousers tonight.

Daley Blind's outswinging corner is met by a free Marcos Rojo, eight yards out, but his bullet header is pushed away by Nikita Medvedev.

On the follow up, Zlatan Ibrahimovic hits the post from a tight angle.

Rostov escape.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, AFP

Has Paul Pogba been reading the newspapers and the BBC Sport website?

The Frenchman gallops down the left and earns a corner for his side.

Jaleel Oladipo:  I have a sneaky feeling that either of Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling will be sent off. 

"Woke up this morning feeling fine..." is the chant from the home supporters in the Stretford End.

Subdued elsewhere around Old Trafford.

Rostov - like their kit - have started brightly and are on the front foot early on, but the danger in United's defensive third is snuffed out.

Huddles, prayers done.

Can Rostov finish the job or will United shock the Russian minnows?

Let's find out. 

Off we go at Old Trafford.

Here come the players.

United goalkeeper Sergio Romero waves to someone in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic has to make adjustments to his undergarment.

The Swede looks pumped.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport at Old Trafford

Lots of empty seats at Old Trafford tonight.

Rostov are due to have between 200 and 300 supporters here but the area normally reserved for away supporters is completely empty and there are plenty of other spaces as well.

United went out at this stage to Liverpool 12 months ago and were eliminated by Athletic Bilbao in the last 16 in 2012.

That is three draws and two defeats for the Russian side.

Manchester United

Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho, speaking to BT Sport: "The pitch is the pitch, the weather is nice to play football. They can play on these fast pitches. 

"They are doing what they did in almost every away match where they play without the tallest striker. They have two very fast and creative players in attack. With the result 1-1 the game is more than open."

On Zlatan Ibrahimovic: “He is fresh at least. The other boys had to play for more than one hour – nine against 10 and it was really hard for them for the physical point of view. 

"I had to change a lot of the players. Zlatan is one of the players that is fresh and hopefully he can help."

Not available domestically, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic leads the line again for Manchester United tonight.

Image source, Rex Features

Everyone is talking about him.

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen tells BT Sport: "Paul Pogba is young, improving and will be a great player in years to come. 

"He has been relatively successful in his short time at the club but you know he has in it in him to be better."

Has Pogba failed to live up to expectations this season?

Chris Swan: Pogba didn't ask for £90m, Juve did, United knew they were going to overpay to get players, it's the way it is, let him play!

Wkhattam:  Pogba's first season - 41 apps, 7 goals. Ronaldo's first season - 40 apps, 6 goals.

HP:  Toure - 16 appearances, 4 goals. Pogba - 28 appearances, 4 goals. #notworthit

The Rostov players are being put through their paces in the warm-ups at Old Trafford.

The biggest night of their lives.

Image source, Reuters

BBC Radio 5 live

"When Zinedine Zidane turned 24, what had he won? The Intertoto Cup."

BBC Radio 5 live commentator Conor McNamara makes a compelling argument in defence of the much-malinged Paul Pogba.

Hit the play button below.

Has Pogba failed to live up to expectations this season?

onsideVIEW:  Didn't know Pogba played for Utd. Do know every time he has a new haircut/handshake, or dances with a friend,or has an emoji out

Fee: All Pogba really needs is a weekend at boot camp with Mr Roy Keane. If he survives that, the world will be his for the taking.

Kyle:  Pogba is sort of in the middle, he hasn't been great and he hasn't been poor. He will get better in time.

Image source, Reuters

Manchester United

What do we make of this?

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho tells BBC Sport there is "no chance" Angel Di Maria, Javier Hernandez or Danny Welbeck would have been sold if he was in charge at the club last season.

Hit the play button below.

Watch the full interview with Jose Mourinho on The Premier League Show, Thursday, 16 March at 22:00 GMT on BBC Two and online.