(Getty)
Manchester United may have gone nine games unbeaten in European play at Old Trafford, but a poor performance today against Midtjylland would eliminate them from Europa League. United had a disaster showing in Herning last week, as David De Gea was injured in warmups and the visitors fell 2-1. United turned around and dominated Shrewsbury Town in FA Cup action earlier this week, while Midtjylland is still one week away from the end of Danish Superliga’s winter break.
If United want to advance to the last 16 of Europa League, they’re going to have to play more aggressive than normal. Midtjylland won’t be taking any chances at Old Trafford, as Jess Thorup’s squad can advance to their first-ever last 16 with a scoreless or even 1-1 draw. On Twitter, Midtjylland captain Tim Sparv gave away some of the team’s strategy ahead of today’s match:
Without Rooney up front, United will need a top-notch offensive performance. It’s not easy given their current injury situation, which now includes Chris Smalling, who took a knock against Shrewsbury and is out today. Marcus Rojo is available for the first time in weeks after recovering from a shoulder injury, but is expected to play a maximum of 20 minutes.
For a look at tonight’s starting lineups, click here.
Check back for info and video highlights from throughout the match:
FINAL
After all is said and done United advance by a 6-3 aggregate score, as LVG’s men put on a fantastic performance today at Old Trafford. While it remains to be seen whether Memphis will ever transition his play to weekend Premier League matches, he was nearly unstoppable today against Midtjylland. It was the Danish League team’s strategy to park the bus today, but Midtjylland were unable to cope with the skill of Memphis, Mata and Lingard on the wings. But the hero of the day is Marcus Rashford, who made his Manchester United debut by scoring the deciding goals in front of the home fans.
90′
GOAL!
Manchester United 5, Midtjylland 1
Memphis gets a goal, and there is no one on the pitch more deserving. He had the Midtjylland defenders on skates in the final minutes, and this time they made too much space. An excellent exclamation point from United’s biggest win of the season.
87′
GOAL!
Manchester United 4, Midtjylland 1
Memphis puts his exclamation point on the game, when he rifles a shot that is slapped down by a Midtjylland defender. The penalty is called, and Ander Hererra replaces Juan Mata at the spot for United. This time there is no doubt, and United are minutes away from the last 16 of Europa League.
80′
Any doubt on who is today’s Man of the Match?
75′
GOAL!
Manchester United 3, Midtjylland 1
RASHFORD AGAIN!!
The teenager is wide open on the far post and it’s a dream debut for the youngster. Two second-half goals have put United in front on aggregate, and now Midtjylland will need a goal to avoid being eliminated.
69′
Manchester United 2, Midtjylland 1
More magic from Memphis, as the youngster takes on several defenders before firing a hooking shot for the top corner, only to see it slapped away by Andersen. United have all the momentum now, and Midtjylland are making mistakes, giving United open space on goal.
63′
GOAL!
Manchester United 2, Midtjylland 1
United bang in cross after cross, and Marcus Rashford converts in his first-ever appearance for MUFC. Juan Mata saved a long cross that was heading out of bounds, and the bounce went to Rashford in the middle, who ripped a shot past Andersen. Old Trafford is rocking now, as the current score would send this game into extra time.
50′
Manchester United 1, Midtjylland 1
United went right back to work with Memphis in the second half, and nearly got their second goal. Mata’s cross was on target for Schneiderlin but the attempt was off the mark. Minutes later Memphis gifted Hererra an opportunity but the Spaniard’s shot was wide.
HALFTIME
Manchester United 1, Midtjylland 1 (2-3 agg)
United have done all the right things to be up at halftime, but still find themselves needing two goals for a regulation victory today. Mata’s saved penalty is the worst moment of the first 45 minutes, but there were a lot of bright spots for United fans. Memphis has had his way with defenders on the left side, and Marcus Rashford has looked fearless in his first start.
41′
Manchester United 1, Midtjylland 1
Midtjylland have opened up a bit before halftime, and that’s made United’s attack even more dangerous. After winning yet another corner, Morgan Schneiderlin hit the post on a header. Shortly after Ander Hererra was tackled in the box, drawing an immediate penalty call.
Mata lined up at the spot, but Andersen guessed correctly and save the shot to the bottom-right corner.
32′
GOAL!
Manchester United 1, Midtjylland 1
United answer back! Memphis dashes down the left flank and fires in a low cross, only for the deflection to end up in the Midtjylland net. It’s a quick response, but United still have all the work to do. Bodurov gets credited with the own goal
27′
GOAL!
Manchester United 0, Midtjylland 1
Midtjylland!! Midtjylland!!
Pione Sisto is the man for Midtjylland, dribbling between two United defenders and firing a low shot past Romero. United are in big trouble now, needing two goals just to force extra time and a 3-1 victory to advance.
22′
Manchester United 0, Midtjylland 0
The surprise of the match thus far has been Marcus Rashford. It’s the first start for 18-year old, and he’s looked plenty energetic early on.
20′
Manchester United 0, Midtjylland 0
20 minutes in, United are dominating possession as expected.
15′
Manchester United 0, Midtjylland 0
United with consecutive chances off corners, but no score.
0′
Manchester United 0, Midtjylland 0
Underway at Old Trafford!
PREMATCH:
Last week it was David De Gea, and this week Anthony Martial was injured during prematch warmups. He’s being replaced in the lineup by Marcus Rashford, who will make his first senior start for Manchester United.
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