No end to Manchester United woes

Date

2/20/2016 1:05:17 AM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

A miserable season for Louis van Gaal and Manchester United took a new turn for the worse on Thursday as they lost 2-1 away to Danish champions Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Goals from the talented Pione Sisto and young Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu gave Midtjylland the victory in Herning after Memphis Depay had put a weakened United side ahead in the first leg of their last-32 tie. That away goal gives United every chance of turning things around in next Thursday's return at Old Trafford but the spectre of a humiliating exit hangs in the air at a time when Van Gaal's side lag behind in their bid to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

The Dutch manager has admitted winning the Europa League may now be his side's best chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League and this latest setback will only increase the pressure on him.

He sent out a weakened side with Sergio Romero replacing the injured David de Gea in goal and the likes of Paddy McNair and Donald Love featuring from the start against opponents who eliminated Southampton earlier in the competition and Midtjylland deserved their win.

"It's just not good enough. It's not acceptable. It's got to be a lot better" admitted United midfielder Michael Carrick speaking to BT Sport. "We didn't really kick on after we scored. With a performance and a result like that we go home very disappointed."

Premier League title contenders Tottenham Hotspur fared better coming away from their trip to Italy to face Fiorentina with a 1-1 draw that puts them in a strong position ahead of next week's return.

Mauricio Pochettino sent out a strong side albeit one missing first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and with Harry Kane on the bench.

And Spurs went in front in the 37th minute when Nacer Chadli converted from the penalty spot after Ben Davies was brought down by Nenad Tomovic. However Fiorentina who sit third in Serie A drew level just before the hour mark thanks to Federico Bernardeschi whose long-range strike beat Michel Vorm with the aid of a deflection off Ryan Mason.

Meanwhile Jurgen Klopp's return to Germany with Liverpool saw his side draw 0-0 with Bundesliga outfit Augsburg in Bavaria leaving that tie finely poised.

Liverpool may regret not getting an away goal but it could have been worse for them as substitute Ji Dong-Won hit the woodwork for the hosts late on.

"There's no point getting carried away 0-0 away from home isn't a bad result but we still have a lot of work to do" said Klopp.

Valencia can already start looking forward to the last 16 after destroying Rapid Vienna 6-0 at the Mestalla to give under-fire coach Gary Neville a major boost.

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