Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP)

A Simon Kjaer header in added time gave AC Milan a deserved draw (1-1) in their Europa League round of 16 first leg against Manchester United on Thursday at Old Trafford.

The Danish defender catapulted the ball from the head to the back of the net (1-1, 90 + 2), erasing the advantage that the young Amad Diallo (18) had given to the Red Devils at the start of the second half (50th). ).

Former Serie A resident with Atalanta Bergamo, Diallo, recruited this winter for twenty million euros, should have been the hero of the evening.

Often left at the disposal of the reserve, the Ivorian winger scored on his very first shot with the first team, at the same time becoming the Red Devils' youngest non-British goalscorer in European competition, at 18 and 243 years old. days.

A goal of minimalist construction, scored with a head returned after a bell-shaped opening by Bruno Fernandes, where Diallo's call created the imbalance by deceiving the vigilance of Fikayo Tomori, loaned by Chelsea (1-0, 50th) .

But Manchester United was too sluggish in the game and clumsy in front of goal to deserve to win, like a titular Anthony Martial but replaced at the break by the future scorer.

His only notable action had been a nice strike in the 8th minute that started under the bar but easily diverted over the crossbar by Gianluigi Donnaruma (8th).

The Red Devils could also have opened the scoring in the first period if Harry Maguire had not put the ball on the post when he was two meters from the empty goal (38th) or double the bet if Daniel James, alone in the second post, had not missed the frame on a good cross from Mason Greenwood (72nd).

In the game, however, AC Milan dominated and would not have deserved to come away defeated from Old Trafford.

The Italians had in particular had two goals refused in the first period, to Rafael Leao (5th) for a fairly clear offside and to Franck Kessié (11th) for an arm control which required the viewing of the VAR.

And even if the goal is marred by a hand fault by Manchester goalkeeper Dean Henderson, the fact remains that the draw reflects the balance of power much better in this match.

In a week's time at San Siro, Manchester will have to show more, but the Red Devils are more comfortable away from their bases this season.

© 2021 AFP