Saint-Etienne v Manchester United Betting: Mourinho's men unlikely to take any chances

Manchester United have one foot in the last 16 of the Europa League ahead of their second leg clash with Saint-Etienne.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's superb hat-trick at Old Trafford on Thursday night means that Jose Mourinho's men carry a commanding 3-0 lead into the return leg in France.

These two teams experienced contrasting fortunes at the weekend, as Manchester United showed their mettle to come from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup fifth round, while Saint-Etienne slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Montpellier on Sunday afternoon.

New Paddy Power customers can back a massive 10/1 (11.0) enhanced price on the favourites coming out on top in this second leg. To take advantage of this price simply register using the link below, back United at the usual price shown on site and if they win, your returns will be topped up to the value of 10/1 (11.0). Winnings paid in free bets. T&C's apply.

The men from Manchester are chalked up as Paddy Power's even money (2.0) favourites to seal their place in the next round of this competition in style by recording another win, while the odds compilers offer 23/10 (3.30) that the match remains all square at the end of 90 minutes - an outcome that would, of course, see Mourinho's men cruise into the next round.

Saint-Etienne will be desperate to salvage some pride when they play host to the men from Manchester and Christophe Galtier's side can be backed at 13/5 (3.60) with Paddy Power to come out on top.

With a three-goal lead, United have a healthy advantage and Mourinho's men will reach the last 16 of the competition barring a disastrous defeat at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard; the room for manoeuvre that the visitors will enjoy will please Mourinho, for his side have been beaten in five of their last six away matches in this competition.

Ibrahimovic's hat-trick claimed the headlines last week, but United's defensive discipline this term is noteworthy; the clean sheet collected at Old Trafford last week was the first time in seven years that Manchester United have kept three successive clean sheets in European competition.

Paddy Power go 6/4 (2.50) that Saint-Etienne fail to score again when the rivalry is renewed in this tie, while the same firm offer just 4/6 (1.67) that there are fewer than three goals scored - a selection that would have seen punters profit from six of the last seven games that Saint-Etienne have hosted in this competition.

United face Southampton in the League Cup final on Sunday afternoon and, with such a comfortable lead in the tie, Mourinho will surely shuffle his pack for the trip to France.

Saint-Etienne had their moments at Old Trafford but the Ligue 1 side look certain to pay the price for their profligacy in Manchester, for they are left with a mountain to climb here.

With United's focus on Sunday's showdown with the Saints and the tie all but beyond the hosts, a low-key, low-scoring contest looks a likely outcome and punters should snap up Paddy Power's 2/1 (3.0) quote for fewer than two goals to be scored; the selection would have seen punters profit from four of Saint-Etienne's last five Europa League home ties.