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'Unstoppable' Manchester United targeting Europa League triumph now, claims Luke Shaw

The Europa League winners also qualify for the Champions League with United playing the first leg of their quarter-final against Anderlecht on Thursday

Wednesday 12 April 2017 07:58 BST

Luke Shaw says United are targeting the Europa League (Getty)

Manchester United have set their sights on winning the Europa League as an alternative route into next year's Champions League says Luke Shaw.

United are fifth in the Premier League, four points behind Manchester City, who occupy the final qualifying spot for next season's Champions League.

The Europa League winners, however, also qualify for the Champions League with United playing the first leg of their quarter-final against Anderlecht on Thursday.

Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

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1/22Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Jordan Pickford – 5 out of 10

Made a handful of important stops, but he was helpless for the three United goals.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Billy Jones – 5 out of 10

Had very little impact on the game, aside from a few of clearances. Incredibly mediocre display.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Jason Denayer – 7 out of 10

He ran the defensive line, tackled relentlessly and was tremendous in the air.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Lamine Kone – 5 out of 10

The defender invited trouble upon himself by allowing the ball to bounce in the box and failing to clear his lines.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Bryan Oviedo – 6 out of 10

Defended courageously but was subbed in the early stages due to a hamstring injury.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Sebastian Larsson – 3 out of 10

Saw a red card for a studs-up challenge on Herrera.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Jack Rodwell – 5 out of 10

Drifted in and out of the game. Lacked service, but that’s no excuse for a player of his calibre.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Lee Cattermole – 6 out of 10

The skipper’s confidence was evident – he was one of the only Sunderland players to test Romero with a strike.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Didier Ndong – 5 out of 10

The 22-year-old was sloppy and wasteful with the ball. He failed to capitalise on any possession.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Victor Anichebe – 5 out of 10

Had a key chance to level the scoring from close range, but was denied by Romero. Aside from that, it was a quiet display.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Jermain Defoe – 5 out of 10

Aside from two late efforts, you could have been excused for not realising the striker was on the pitch today.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Sergio Romero – 6 out of 10

He looked unbeatable today, but this was enhanced by the lack of action in the United area.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Matteo Darmian – 6 out of 10

Progressed well up the pitch and provided constant service to the United midfield.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Eric Bailly – 5 out of 10

Lost a number of 50/50 challenges and aerial balls – certainly room for improvement.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Marcos Rojo – 5 out of 10

The majority of his tackles were clumsy and late, which was giving Sunderland unnecessary possession.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Luke Shaw – 6 out of 10

The defender looked menacing going forward and his deliveries into the box were impressive.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Marouane Fellaini – 5 out of 10

Failed to play like a captain – lost a number of challenges and wasted possession on several occasions.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Ander Herrera – 8 out of 10

A top display from the midfielder. He assisted Ibrahimovic’s goal and created chances throughout.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Jesse Lingard – 7 out of 10

He was oozing confidence and was not afraid to take a strike on goal to test Pickford.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Paul Pogba – 7 out of 10

An encouraging display from the Frenchman – he was energetic, passed well and tackled relentlessly.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7 out of 10

His goal was an example of his limitless ability. He created his goal out of nowhere and it put the game to bed just after the interval.

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Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 player ratings

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 9 out of 10

An inspiring display all round and his goal was a moment of individual magic. Faultless.

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"Every single game is massive now, but I think the one on Thursday is huge," he said. "We have to treat every game in that competition now like it's a final. We want to win that tournament.

"The Europa League is a massive thing for us now -- it's a trophy and it gives us qualification for the Champions League. With the players we have got, we can be unstoppable."

Fullback Antonio Valencia is expected to return against Anderlecht after missing United's last two league fixtures while goalkeeper David de Gea is a doubt with a hip injury.

United's Europa League matches are sandwiched around a clash with Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday.

Reuters

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