Watch: Mourinho hands drowsy Rojo a banana during Rostov match

Europa League last-eight berths don't grow on trees, but fortunately for Manchester United's sleepy centre-back Marcos Rojo, a wee natural boost does.

"If you were tired any time in your life, I was tired many times, I know what the body needs. It needs anything. The player asked for a banana," said a straight-faced Jose Mourinho, according to BBC Sport. "But it's not to laugh at all. It's to respect the players."

United barely avoided a slipup but ultimately peeled away from FC Rostov in the Europa League Round of 16 on Thursday, booking a spot in the quarter-finals slated for April 10 and the following week.

Related: United sees off Rostov unconvincingly to reach Europa League quarters

United now (banana) splits from continental duty to travel to Middlesbrough in Sunday's Premier League tilts.