Europa League: AC Milan’s Late Equaliser Shocks Man United

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Manchester United’s defensive frailties let them down again as AC Milan got an injury-time equalizer to stalemate their Europa League last-16 first-leg tie at Old Trafford at one-all

Amad Diallo’s stunning header five minutes into the second half had looked like giving United a first-leg lead until Milan struck late in the game.

The Italians, who were harshly denied a goal when Franck Kessie’s first-half volley was ruled out for handball, did not let off the steam going into extra time.

Their doggedness paid off handsomely when Simon Kjaer evaded the attention of Nemanja Matic at a corner right at the death and steered a near-post header past Dean Henderson’s weak attempt to save.

Indeed, it was the least a Milan side lacking former United’s striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic deserved on the night.

It was tough luck on 19-year-old Diallo, who scored in quite brilliant fashion with his first effort on goal. It was Diallo’s only third appearance for the Red Devils.

The Ivorian raced on to Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant chipped pass five minutes after replacing Anthony Martial at half-time. With his back to goal close to the penalty spot, Diallo looped the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the net.

United boss Ole Solskjaer told BT Sport: “That equaliser makes it harder but it was always going to be down to the second game.

“We were too slow with the possession, it is sometimes hard off the back of a game like Manchester City.

“Dean [Henderson] can save it [the AC Milan goal] of course, but we should have attacked the ball. We were a long way off it today.”

“Amad Diallo is creative, he plays with freedom. Amad had a nice goal, he still has loads to learn and he will be better for that”, Solskjaer said. – With BBC Sports