So United are now through to the last 16 of the Europa Cup, now facing AC Milan, and old boys Ibra and Dalot. Well done to Ole for giving such opportunities to the academy youngsters on the European stage. Second-half substitute Shola Shoretire becoming the youngest-ever Manchester United player in a European game at 17 years and 23 days. Previously the youngest players to appear for the club in Europe were Norman Whiteside (17y 131d), Mason Greenwood (17y 156d) and Gary Neville (17y 211d). Summer signing Amad Diallo made his home debut from the bench, while another youngster Ethan Galbraith was on the bench.
Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic deserves my man of the match for his performance and help in keeping another clean sheet against the Spanish side. All United’s defenders seem to have been given the license to venture forward and Matic was no exception, adventurously penetrating the attacking areas on more than one occasion, fashioning chances. He completed 66 of his first 71 passes and those that went astray were rarely the sort to invite pressure on the United defense .
United play the first leg versus AC Milan at Old Trafford on Thursday 11th March, with the return leg a week later.
Article contributed by Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.