PARIS: Manchester United squeezed through to the Europa League last 16 on Thursday despite losing 2-1 to Ajax at Old Trafford while former champions Atletico Madrid became Spain’s third team in the next stage.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s United went through 3-2 on aggregate and will face Athletic Bilbao in the next round.
Mexican star Javier Hernandez scored his 10th goal of the season after six minutes but Ajax threatened to spoil the party when Aras Ozbiliz levelled in the 37th minute and Toby Alderweireld headed a 87th-minute second leg winner.
“I’ve got to accept I’m responsible for picking the team and tonight I picked too many young players in the back four positions – that was a big problem in terms of experience. It was a big risk I took,” admitted Ferguson.
“Ajax are fantastic in terms of keeping the ball. Their first goal I thought was a handball (in the build-up) but although they had a lot of possession they didn’t look like scoring.
“But that goal gave them confidence and we only had one shot in the second half. I thought we were very poor in the second half.”
Valencia joined Bilbao and Atletico, who saw off Lazio 4-1 on aggregate, in the next round when a 1-0 win over Stoke City gave them a 2-0 aggregate win.
Brazilian Jonas struck the only goal in the 24th minute which was never challenged by the English Premier League side.
The Spanish side now face PSV Eindhoven, who should prove formidable opponents after a 4-1 hammering of Trabzonspor for a 6-2 aggregate over the Turks.
Already trailing 2-1, Trabzonspor’s task got even tougher as early as the 15th minute when Dries Mertens converted from the spot.
Goals from Tim Matavz and Kevin Strootman piled on the pressure. (Agencies)
