Europa League

Manchester United 1-2 Ajax

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 23 February 2012

Manchester United reach the last 16 of the Europa League with a 3-2 aggregate win over Ajax, despite a 2-1 second-leg defeat at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have reached the last 16 of the Europa League after a 3-2 aggregate win over Ajax.

However, a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford was only just enough for Sir Alex Ferguson's side to set up a tie with Athletic Bilbao in the next round.

United took the lead after six minutes when Javier Hernandez calmly slotted past Kenneth Vermeer in the Ajax goal.

The Dutch side refused to be downhearted by the bad start and began to control the match as Miralem Sulejmani blasted over.

Aras Ozbiliz forced a save from David de Gea soon after, before the midfielder drew his side level on the match in the 37th minute with a fierce left-footed drive from 20 yards.

Tom Cleverley nearly put the hosts in front straight away, but his effort was parried by Vermeer.

Ajax started the second half as they finished the first and pinned United back in their own half for lengthy periods.

Nicolas Loderio flashed a shot over from 15 yards before Siem De Jong's header from a corner drew an instinctive save from De Gea.

The visitors ensured a nervy finish when Toby Alderweireld found the net with a header in the 87th minute. However, United managed to hold on for the narrow win.