The manager of Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was not a happy man as his team conceded a late goal against AC Milan in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16.
On Thursday, March 11, 2021, Manchester United hosted AC Milan in what almost looked like a victory for the Premier League side. The club’s new signing, Amad Diallo put United in front with a beautiful back header in the 50th minute.
United and Milan dragged the match on until in the additional two minutes when the Premier League club decided to give the lead away, thanks to Milan’s Simon Kjaer’s header.
Hence, AC Milan returned to Italy with a goal advantage which means that when Manchester United visit for the return leg of the round on 18 March 2021, all Milan have to do is to end the game in a goalless draw or win. While Manchester United are condemned to win or play at least 2-2 draw to qualify for the next stage of the competition.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who knows the task ahead of his team now that United have given a goal advantage to Milan, lamented that the club shouldn’t have conceded such a goal at such a critical point of the game. While analyzing how AC Milan got their last minute equalizer, Solskjaer described the draw as a disappointment.
However, he didn’t fail to praise the 31-year-old Danish defender who scored the header that canceled the goal of United’s 18-year-old youngster Amad Diallo.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer went on to note how difficult Manchester United have made the qualification to the next round of the competition to be for themselves but believes that the club is good enough to get an away win.
“We dropped too deep in the box so the structure, there’s a yard or two deep from everyone, really,” Solskjaer said after the draw. “Of course you’re always disappointed when you concede a goal in that manner.
“Simon Kjaer is obviously a good player, he makes a good run, he’s strong and his marker gets blocked off, so he gets in front of him.
“Disappointed but then again that can happen. I’ve been part of a team that’s scored in injury time in Europe myself on a set play.
“Of course it makes it more difficult. Always when you concede at home, you’re never happy when you do. One minute before full-time is also disappointing but we’ve got to take that on the chin and just travel down there next week and go for it.”
Ole reacts to our 1-1 draw at Old Trafford and reserves special praise for our goalscorer, @AmadDiallo_19 💬
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 11, 2021
🔴 #MUFC
🏆 #UEL
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gives Manchester United’s injury update
Besides the fact that Manchester United gave AC Milan an away goal advantage during Thursday’s Europa League game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not happy that he had to lose his striker, Anthony Martial to injury.
After the game, the tactician confirmed that the French striker had to be removed from the game at halftime because he suffered a hip injury and he would undergo a scan.
On Marcus Rashford, Solskjaer said he his hoping that the England international who could not play against AC Milan due to an injury, is fit enough before the return leg on March 18. He will however miss United’s league game against West Ham United on Sunday, March 14.
Also, the club’s veteran striker, Edinson Cavani might not be fit enough to play against West Ham United on Sunday. He is still battling to recover from a muscular injury.
Solskjaer said: “Anthony got a whack on his hip, so there’s another forward we need to scan and look at.
“I desperately hope Marcus is back for next Thursday in Milan, I’m not sure he’s going to make Sunday. Fingers crossed because we’ll need him.
“Edinson I don’t think can be ready for Sunday.”
