Match Report: Manchester United 1 - 2 Ajax AFC (agg. 3 -2)

Manchester United 1 - 2 Ajax AFC (agg. 3 - 2)

Thursday 23/02/2012

Europa League

United through to the last 16 of the Europa League despite stumbling at home.

After an impressive 2 - 0 win away in Amsterdam in the first leg, United just had to avoid defeat by two or more goals to secure progression to the next round. Wayne Rooney was left out of the match day squad due to a throat infection picked up shortly after the first leg. This meant Dimitar Berbatov and Chicharito began the game up front. Sir Alex Ferguson opted to field a very youthful side with six of named eleven aged 22 or younger.

United began the game in style as they took the lead after five minutes. Berbatov set up his strike partner Chicharito excellently, as the young Mexican took his chance confidently,placing his shot past Kenneth Vermeer. It was a fine start from the home side, putting them 3 - 0 on aggregate.

Ten minutes later United were almost out of sight as Chicharito tried to repay the favour by setting up Berbatov but before the Bulgarian striker could slide the ball home, the cross was cut out by Jan Vertonghen at the last minute.

As the half wore on the home side became a little complacent and Ajax began to take hold of the game. David De Gea saved well from a Aras Özbiliz shot before the Armenian pulled the Dutch side level on the night with a 20 yard strike just before half time.

After an explosive start United had been pegged back by an Ajax side that was gaining in confidence. The Eredivisie side had given themselves a lifeline giving them hope for the second half.

The second half continued much as the first ended with Ajax frustrating United as they looked for the two goals they needed to give themselves a chance of turning the tie around. David De Gea was forced into a excellent save just before the hour denying a Siem De Jong header from close range.

Just as it seemed the game was fizzling out to a draw, Toby Alderweireld powered home a header from close range to give Ajax the lead. Now only needing one goal to pull off an unlikely turn around. However a shaky United held on to go through three goals to two on aggregate.

A combination of inexperience and complacency almost cost United a place in European competition for the second time this season, after they crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage. The reds progress to face Athletic Bilbao in the last 16.