Late Milan equaliser denies Man Utd first leg win

Manchester United were on the verge of a win, and a potentially crucial clean sheet, against AC Milan  on Thursday night at Old Trafford, but were held to a 1-1 in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 clash.

The Action: Ole Solskjaer's United were actually lucky not to concede in the first-half, as they were completely dominated by the Italian side. 

AC Milan twice hit the back of the Red Devils' net in the opening period, but had both efforts chalked off. Firstly, Rafael Leao smashed a low shot into the net past Dean Henderson early on, but was a couple of yards offside.

Just a few minutes later, Franck Kessie’s superb effort from the edge of the box flew past Henderson in the United goal, only for VAR to spot a controversial handball and rule it out.

In the second-half, the Mancunians upped the ante and substitute Amad Diallo scored a brilliant backward header to give the hosts the lead just five minutes after his introduction.

After that, both teams had chances to score with Daniel James having the clearest opportunity: the Welshman failing to sort his feet out and finish into an empty net.

With seconds left on the clock, however, the Italians managed to find a stoppage-time equaliser. Defender Simon Kjaer lost his marker from a corner kick and headed hard past Henderson to give Milan a massive boost heading into the second leg.

It was a tough one to swallow for Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer's men, but the Norwegian will reflect on the fact that Milan were probably the better side over the course of the ninety minutes and deserved their late goal.

The Big Picture: The two sides play the decider next Thursday. Prior to that match, Man Utd host in-form West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday night.

Stefan Pioli's men also face a difficult game on Sunday, as they entertain Napoli looking to chase down Serie A leaders and city rivals Inter Milan.

Memorable Moment: Amad Diallo's goal. It was an unforgettable moment for the 18-year-old youngster, who latched onto Bruno Fernandes to score a wonderfully improvised header. Scoring your first senior goal for the Red Devils at Old Trafford against AC Milan was a great way to get off the mark. 

Man of the Match: Franck Kessie. The 24-year-old covered every blade of grass and was a huge influence. The intensity he brings to this Milan side is impressive and he was vital to Milan's fluid football throughout. The Ivorian fully deserved the goal that was ruled out...

Stat of the Day: Milan’s equaliser ended a brilliant defensive run from United, who had not conceded a goal in 504 minutes of football.

🔴⚫️ Simon Kjær celebrates his last-minute equaliser!

What will happen in the 2nd leg? 👀#UEL pic.twitter.com/MkVLpsODzZ

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 11, 2021