Manchester United vs AC Milan: Player ratings as late equaliser sees first leg end in draw

Manchester United conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw with AC Milan in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Rafael Leao had the ball in the net just five minutes in, but he was quickly flagged offside after his low finish. A second reprieve followed shortly afterward, when Franck Kessie thundered a half-volley into the far corner – but was then pulled up for an apparent handball, which couldn’t be seen on replays immediately shown.

Anthony Martial had United’s best early effort with a fierce volley, but Harry Maguire somehow contrived to miss the biggest chance of the half as he shinned a finish onto the post from just a yard out after a set-piece.

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A half-time change immediately gave the home team the lead, as Amad cleverly back-headed a lofted pass over the keeper and in, for his first goal for Man United. James should have scored a second, putting an easy chance wide at the far post, and United were made to pay when Simon Kjaer headed a 92nd-minute equaliser.

Here are the player ratings from the last-16, first leg clash at Old Trafford.

Man United

Dean Henderson – 6. One or two routine first-half saves – plus the two conceded but ruled out. Should definitely have done better with the equaliser at the end.

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6. Solid enough defensively and supported going forward when he could.

Eric Bailly – 7. Coped well with Leao’s pace and was strong in the air.

Harry Maguire – 7. Miss of the season from a yard out. Defensively was largely fine, caught in behind a couple of times but made up for it with blocks aplenty.

Alex Telles – 5. Has really struggled to find anything like top form. Poor delivery off set-pieces.

Scott McTominay – 6. The only real forward-thinking member of United’s midfield in possession, though didn’t get the chance to surge past the attacking line too often and could have been closer to Kjaer for the goal.

Nemanja Matic – 6. Overrun at times and couldn’t really protect the defence, particularly first half.

Daniel James – 5. Enjoyed the foot-race as usual but didn’t offer much in build-up play. Missed what was effectively an open goal.

Bruno Fernandes – 7. Isolated and frustrated for most of the first half but found the critical pass to open Milan’s defence.

Mason Greenwood – 6. Ineffective from the flank. More involved after moving to centre-forward.

Anthony Martial – 6. One fine early strike was saved, but was hurt in the first half and subbed at the break.

Subs

Amad – 7. On at half-time – goal four minutes later.

Brandon Williams – 6. Played the game out at wing-back.

Fred – 6. Worked hard to keep Milan at bay late on.

Luke Shaw – 6. Not much of an outlet on the left.

AC Milan

Gigi Donnarumma – 6. Decent tip-over early on but was outfoxed for the goal.

Davide Calabria – 5. Struggled to keep pace with United’s attack and a few poor fouls.

Simon Kjaer – 7. Dealt well with Martial despite lacking the forward’s pace. Great header at the end to net an away goal.

Fikayo Tomori – 7. A mixed night, with one or two good moments and some notable missed interceptions – including tracking the run for the opener.

Diogo Dalot – 6. Got forward well but the final pass was lacking.

Rade Krunic – 6. A willing runner but not often used as the main outlet. Headed a good chance over in the second half.

Franck Kessie – 8. Harshly saw his strike ruled out. Easily Milan’s – and the match’s – best player, powering forward at will and with both the vision and weight of pass to make use of space.

Soualiho Meite – 6. Kept close to Fernandes and broke up play well.

Alexis Saelemaekers – 6. The usual mix from the Belgian of rash challenges, good runs off the ball, scruffy shots and powerful dribbling.

Brahim Diaz – 6. Tried to link an spread play regularly, though not consistent with his passing.

Rafael Leao – 7. Made plenty of runs in behind the United defence, though struggled with the flag too.

Subs

Sandro Tonali – 6. Double sub for the final 20. Saw the ball plenty but nothing cutting about his play.

Samu Castillejo – 6. Also on for the last 20 but not much space to play in.

Pierre Kalulu – n/a

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