Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho praised Zlatan Ibrahimovic following the striker's first hat-trick for the cub.

The Swedish veteran scored all three goals as United defeated St Etienne 3-0 in the Europa League Round of 32 first leg at Old Trafford last night.

Mourinho admitted it was a special moment for Ibra to score another treble but felt the overall picture of the two-legged tie was more important.

"He has scored so many hat-tricks in his career but this is a first for Manchester United," Mourinho told MUTV.

"We know that it is more difficult in England, we know clearly that it is fantastic for him, but the important thing is the result and the important thing is that we managed a clean sheet at home, which is important, and to score three goals is a good advantage for us.

"We can try to manage with that."