Pavel Pogrebnyak put the Russian side ahead one minute before the break.

The 24-year-old headed home from close range after Igor Denisov had flicked on Dominguez's corner.

United, who are still playing without their inspirational winger Cristiano Ronaldo, went further behind in the 59th minute.

Portuguese midfielder Danny danced through United's effort before slotting past Edwin van der Saar.

Manchester United pulled one back in the 73rd minute through defender Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbian received Carlos Tevez's cut back with a close-range shot that found its way into the net through the legs of several Zenit defenders.

United finished with ten men after Paul Scholes received his marching orders late in the game when he used his hand to convert a deep cross into the Zenit net.