Midtjylland 2-1 Manchester United – Red Devils Embarrassed
Red Devils suffer defeat against Danish opposition
Manchester United reached another low in a dismal campaign as they lost 2-1 to FC Midtjylland in their Europa league round of 32 clash at MCH Arena.
Louis Van Gaal made four changes in the starting eleven that lost to Sunderland last weekend. Donald Love and Paddy McNair replaced the injured Matteo Darmian and Cameron Brothwick Jackson, respectively. Ander Herrera partnered with Michael Carrick in the midfield, replacing Morgan Schneiderlin.
Memphis Depay came back on the left flank as Anthony Martial moved to striker to replace the injured Wayne Rooney. Van Gaal had to make one more change after the warm-up as David De Gea suffered a knock to his knee, paving the way for Sergio Romero to start in goal.
The Red Devils started the match in a shaky manner as the hosts dominated the possession. The Danish champions were trying to put pressure on United straightaway as they took long throws in the box, trying to beat the visitors with set pieces. They were able to create the first good chance of the game when they executed a successful corner; Daley Blind lost his man and Kian has a good shot at the goal which was brilliantly saved by Romero.
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Manchester United started growing into the game and dominated the proceeding. Memphis Depay came close with a very good dipping free kick while Anthony Martial was lively in the final third and almost won his side a penalty. The Red Devils were caught on the counter again as Kadlec found himself in a one on one situation with Romero, but the latter made a brilliant save to deny the forward. United finally broke the deadlock when Jesse Lingard delivered a brilliant cross in the box and Memphis finished it despite losing his balance prior to the shot.
The Red Devils were not able to enjoy their lead for long as the hosts equalized just before the stroke of the half time. Michael Carrick lost the ball in the midfield via an interception by Pione Sisto, who dribbled past the defenders and slotted his shot well at the near post.
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The Red Devils came back strong in the second half as they enjoyed a good run of play. The wingers continued to bomb forward but couldn’t capitalize on their chances as Lingard missed good opportunities to give his side the lead. The hosts sustained the pressure and again started hitting United on the counter. They were finally rewarded for their perseverance when the substitute Paul Onuachu finished brilliantly from the edge of the box.
The United players responded very badly and didn’t show any desired to come back in the game after going behind. They kept on losing the possession in the midfield, and Midtjylland capitalized with more decent chances to finish the game in an emphatic way. The hosts grabbed a deserved win against a hapless Manchester United side. Romero made couple of brilliant saves to avoid further embarrassment for the visitors.
Van Gaal admitted last week after the defeat to Sunderland that the Europa League is a better option to get into Champions League. The performance from the Red Devils didn’t showed any signs that they are taking this tournament seriously and the team looked completely clueless on the pitch.
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Manchester United might get through this round with a strong performance at Old Trafford next week, but they surely don’t have the quality and passion to win it.