Football

Manchester United holds Club Bruges in Europa League last-32 tie

February 21, 2020 5:41 am

Anthony Martial scores for Manchester United [Source: BBC]

Manchester United managed to hold Club Bruges one-all in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie in Belgium.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer felt his side were “a bit sloppy”.

The visitors started poorly and fell behind when Emmanuel Dennis lobbed Sergio Romero early in the first half.

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United equalised when Anthony Martial raced through to beat ex-Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet one-on-one.

“I don’t think it was one of the best games anyone’s seen,” Solskjaer said.

“It was a difficult game against a well-organised team in difficult conditions.

“We got an away goal, we got a draw. We go home next week so hopefully, we can finish the job.”

The game was played in heavy rain and strong wind for large periods, while Solskjaer also felt the ball that is used in Europa League games did not help improve the quality of football on display.

“I think you can ask any of the players, that ball doesn’t help anyone play football,” he added.

“It’s just different and difficult to play with. You can get one and try!

“But it’s the same for the two teams, of course. But the conditions weren’t nice, the wind and the rain.”

The two sides will meet again at Old Trafford on 27 February.

[Source: BBC and google]