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Manchester United hosted AC Milan in what was supposed to be an epic encounter especially with how they have tussled in the Champions League against each other but this time in the Europa League. United came fresh from their Derby win and Bailly came in for Lindelof with Rashford missing out due to injury. AC Milan was also without their keyman: Zlatan Ibrahimovic who was a former United player as well.
In the 5th minute, Leao thought he had given his side the lead when he brilliantly smashed home his effort after running into the box with Bailly unable to stop him but he was flagged for offside and consultation was made with the VAR as well.
Martial had a brilliant effort in the 8th minute saved by the goalkeeper after producing a great technique to hit his half volley pass at the edge of the box. It was an equally great save by the goalkeeper.
Kessie thought he had gotten the lead with his great strike in the 10th minute but the VAR came into play again and it was ruled out for a handball. He handled the ball before hitting his volley. What a goal it would have been had it stood. Henderson also brilliantly saved a shot in the 30th minute that headed straight to him. Both teams tried to get the head start but nothing was forthcoming as they were looking for that cutting edge, that difference or that moment of brilliance from any of their key man.
In the 38th minute, Bruno Fernandes flicked a corner with his head and Maguire was at the back post. How he shockingly missed from there after his leg touched it was surprising. With his look, you can see the horror in his eyes. All it required was a simple tap in but the ball rolled off Maguire's shin unto the crossbar and out.
The first half ended with few missed chances, goalkeeper saves and cancelled goals and nothing else to separate these two sides.
Amad Traore came in to replace Antony Martial at halftime and he produced sensationally in the 50th minute after he brilliantly timed Fernandes' lofted pass and used his back of the head to get the ball beyond the flailing hands of Donnarumma to give United the lead they desperately desire. What an introduction and what a time to score after coming on. This would be good for his confidence.
James had a chance in the 52nd minute after running into the box but he was unable to squeeze the ball beyond the defender and the goalkeeper. Krunic also had a lovely chance to draw his side level in the 64th minute after a brilliant ball from the side located him but he was unable to steer his header goalward. What a mess it was.
James missed shocking also in the 71st minute when Greenwood flashed his effort across the face of the goal and with the ball begging to be put at the back of the empty net, James fired wide. United finally paid for those two glittering chances missed when Kjaer punished United when he connected brilliantly with a corner delivered into the box in the 2nd minute of added time. Henderson couldn't keep it out and Milan got the away goal they desperately needed. Hopefully, this wouldn't dent United's hope of progression because they need to find an away goal quickly when they visit Milan for the second leg. It promises to be an interesting tie as well.
Game over, 1-1 for Manchester United and AC Milan.
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