Kjaer scores late for Milan in 1-1 draw at Man Utd

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  • 2021-03-12 HKT 08:46″ title=”Simon Kjaer heads in a late equalizer for AC Milan in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in their Europa League last-16 first leg match at Old Trafford. Photo: Reuters.”>


    Simon Kjaer heads in a late equalizer for AC Milan in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in their Europa League last-16 first leg match at Old Trafford. Photo: Reuters.
    Simon Kjaer heads in a late equalizer for AC Milan in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in their Europa League last-16 first leg match at Old Trafford. Photo: Reuters.

Simon Kjaer scored a last-gasp equaliser to give AC Milan a dramatic 1-1 draw at Manchester United after Amad Diallo scored his first goal for the hosts in the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday.

Kjaer netted with a bullet header in the final seconds of stoppage time at Old Trafford.

The Milan defender’s late intervention spoiled a memorable moment for Ivorian teenager Diallo.

In only his third appearance for United, Diallo gave a glimpse of the potential that persuaded the Premier League club to pay £18 million ($25 million) to sign him from Italian side Atalanta in January.

Just five minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute, the 18-year-old put United in front with a superb header.

Legends including Paolo Maldini, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Wayne Rooney and Ronaldinho have all featured in previous clashes between United and Milan.

While it is far too soon to place Diallo in that company, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope that scoring with his first ever effort on goal bodes well for the much-hyped youngster’s future with the club.

At 18 years and 243 days, Diallo is the fourth youngest player to score for United in a major European competition, after Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and George Best.

Diallo, yet to start for United, made his debut as a substitute in the Europa League last 32 first leg against Real Sociedad.

This was his second home appearance and scoring at Old Trafford’s famous Stretford End was even sweeter for the precocious starlet.

While Diallo’s headline-grabbing act was significant, it wasn’t enough to help United build on the momentum from their 2-0 win at Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday.

With United 14 points behind City, the Europa League and FA Cup represent their best hopes of winning the first trophy of Solskjaer’s reign.

The second leg in Italy next Thursday won’t be easy for United on the evidence of a composed and determined performance from injury-hit Milan’s crop of promising youngsters.

Crowned European champions 10 times between them, United and Milan were once feared for their swashbuckling play and financial muscle, but both clubs have lost their lustre in recent years.

English clubs Arsenal and Tottenham were both winners in their respective first leg matches.

Arsenal won 3-1 away to Olympiakos, the side that knocked them out of the competition last season.

Harry Kane scored both goals in Spurs’ 2-0 win at home over Dinamo Zagreb.

Rangers drew 1-1 at Slavia Prague.

There were also first leg wins for Roma, Villareal, and Ajax. (AFP)