Manchester United have drawn 1-1 with AC Milan in the Europa League last 16 first leg.
Here is a look at five things we learned from what turned out to be a pretty memorable night.
Amad saves a non event
Manchester United versus AC Milan. It is supposed to be a clash between two titanic clubs, an occasion to savour and remember for years.
With no fans in attendance, and both teams ravaged by injuries to key players, this started out like a total non event.
United’s performance echoed it. This was a flat start in an early kick-off, and United were very lucky not to go behind early twice, with AC Milan scoring two early goals which were ruled out.
In comparison to United’s energetic start away at City, this was really disappointing.
It took Amad Diallo coming on at half-time to give the team a bit of a spark. The game needed it.
Amad took just four minutes to open the scoring, running onto Bruno Fernandes’ sumptuous ball over the top.
The youngster then timed a header to perfection, almost heading it backwards over the goalkeeper, reminiscent of Chicharito against Stoke a decade ago.
This was a special moment, a first goal for the youngster. It was just a shame fans were not in attendance to celebrate it.
Maguire’s miss was unexplainable
The ‘highlight’ of Manchester United’s first half was an inexplicable miss from Harry Maguire.
The United centre-back contrived to hit the post from less than a yard out when presented with a tap-in to score.
It was one of the easiest chances you will ever see, and Maguire won’t want to watch it back.
Eric Bailly’s 100th game
It took far longer than it should have. Eric Bailly finally played his 100th game for Manchester United tonight.
Bailly signed for the club back in 2016 and injuries have held up his progress at the club.
For comparison, centre-back partner Maguire was playing in his 96th United game, despite only signing in 2019.
Big game Bruno
The forced narrative that Bruno Fernandes does not deliver in big games took another crippling blow tonight.
The Portuguese maestro provided a world class pass to set up Amad Diallo for United’s opener.
This was Fernandes’ 13th assist of the season. No United player has more.
Martial’s injury is another blow
Manchester United’s attacking options coming into this game were limited, with Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani out injured.
Anthony Martial went off at half-time with an injury too. United don’t have many options left in attack.
Amad’s contribution was particularly welcome. With fixtures showing no signs of relenting, United will need some luck with injuries, and Mason Greenwood will have to step up.
Cruel late blow
AC Milan’s late equaliser totally changes the complexion of the tie. They probably deserved it.
Milan scored from a corner in injury time to bring the result to a 1-1 scoreline.
The Italians now have an away goal, and it sets up a big away leg.
The header ruined the Amad Diallo celebrations somewhat, but on balance AC Milan deserved it. It is all to play for at the San Siro.
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