Manchester United's Jose Mourinho was impressed by Zorya Luhansk in Thursday night's Europa League clash.

The Ukrainian side managed to get the Chornomorets Stadium in Odessa to a playable standard for the final Group A fixture while putting up a strong showing against the Red Devils.

Mourinho's men came away with a 2-0 win to advance to the Round of 32 but it was not without some struggles as Yuriy Vernydub's Zorya proved a difficult opponent over the course of the group stage campaign.

"The pitch was better today than yesterday and was good enough to play football and we appreciate the effort that probably Chornomorets and Zorya together did to give us a good pitch to play football," said Mourinho.

"There are no miracles with this cold weather so we appreciate the effort to give us a proper match."

"Honestly I think the coach is very good because the team is very well organised and the team, in spite of no victories. The group was very difficult with three very good teams, and they competed with them all.

"I did my homework and analysed their players and quality, and I can understand why they are third in the [Ukrainian] league.

"Hopefully, next season, they will be in the Europa League and have more experience, and my hope is that next time they can play really at home, even though this is a beautiful stadium."

He added: "They were good enough to give us a difficult match."