United Hang On To European Dream

Manchester United survived a late scare last night, after they nearly threw away a three goal aggregate lead to Dutch champions Ajax in a far from convincing performance. 

United carried a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Holland, and after Javier Hernandez’s goal inside 5 minutes the home side looked to be coasting into the last 16. However an Aras Özbiliz strike just before half time and Toby Alderweireld’s late header left United hanging on to what remains of this year’s European football.

The first five minutes produced an open attacking game, as both sides pushed for the initial goal. But it was United who struck first when Dimitar Berbatov’s pass split the defence releasing Hernandez who beat the last defender before he opened the scoring with his 10th goal this session.

Alderweireld's late header made it a nervy finish for United

The home side should have added a second just 10 minutes later when they once again cut open the Ajax back four, but this time Hernandez failed to find strike partner Berbatov to seal the tie.

An entertaining game continued to flow at a quick tempo; however it was Ajax who were controlling the game in midfield. Özbiliz tested united keeper De Gea on 22 minutes, but the Ajax striker finally got his reward 7 minutes from half time. When his edge of the area shot was helped by a slight deflection off Phil Jones to level the score.

The second half saw the visitors remain on top, as they continued to ask questions of the United defence. Nicolás Lodeiro blazed his shot over from inside the box before a crucial save from De Gea denied Siem de Jong’s close range header.

Alex Ferguson introduced Paul Scholes and Jonny Evans with half an hour to go, and looked to have released the sting from their opponents attack. But United were still unable to prevent a nervous finish, after a cheap free kick found its way to the back post to be headed in by Alderweireld three minutes from time.   

   

But the hosts held on to book their place in the last 16 where they will now meet Spanish side   Athletic Bilbao. United will also be joined by close rivals Manchester City after their demolition of Porto on Wednesday night, while Stoke City’s European journey came to an end in Valencia. There were also wins for Atletico Madrid, Olympiakos and Sporting Lisbon, all progressing to the last 16.