Football
2019-20 UEFA Europa League, Round of 32
BRU 
1
FT
 MAN
1
1st Leg
ESPN 4y

Manchester United draw at Club Brugge in Europa League first leg

Manchester United battled to a 1-1 draw Club Brugge in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-32 first-leg clash at Jan Breydelstadion on Thursday.

Anthony Martial cancelled out Emmanuel Dennis early strike with a wonderful solo effort to hand the visitors a vital away goal as the tie turns to Old Trafford next week.

Martial's goal was his 14th in all competitions this season, the second-most goals he's scored in a single campaign, and it came in the 36th minute via a Brugge throw-in near their own half -- the former Monaco man outpacing the intended target to steal the pass before racing in and calmly slotting past former Liverpool man Simon Mignolet in goal.

United, with new midfield signing Bruno Fernandes on the bench, struggled to create many chances, although conditions were difficult with heavy rain and a strong wind.

New signing Odion Ighalo -- who surprisingly joined United at the end of last month's transfer window -- came on in the 67th minute for Martial but couldn't help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men to a late winner on the night.

"It was a game with difficult conditions. We gave them a goal on their goal kick and they gave us a goal from a throw in so it was two poor goals in concentration from both teams," Solskjaer told BT Sport after the match.

"There were some moments from us where we switched off. We were not really at the races to start with but a draw, we got the away goal so we are looking forward to next week."

Club Brugge manager Philippe Clement called on his team to show their mettle next week in Manchester.

"At this moment I am not concerned whether we could qualify or not next week. We still have three games coming up in nine days," he said.

"At least I want my players to show courage and guts in Manchester. It's important for the guys to have that experience and then we will see. We still need the same luck there as for the game today."

^ Back to Top ^