Manchester United were lucky to walk away with a 1-1 draw against Club Brugge thanks to the equaliser scored by Anthony Martial in their Europa first leg match.
Club Brugge were definitely the dominant force in this game right from the opening whistle as they missed on golden opportunities to put themselves in the lead in the early minutes of the game as Manchester United seem out of sorts, still trying to find their rhythm.
Club Brugge goalkeeper became the first goalkeeper Simon Mignolet became the first goalkeeper in the Europa League since 2015 to land an assist as his pass to Man of the Match Dennis Bonaventure led to the latter chipping the ball over ManchesterUnited goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who had come out charge him outside of the box, and score the opening goal of the match putting Club Brugge in the lead 15 minutes into play.
The goal was without its controversy with the Manchester squad as well as their supporters stating that it should have been disallowed as the ball was still rolling when Simon Mignolet kicked it to Bonaventure.
The match referee refused to review the incident on VAR as IFAB rules state that  “The Laws of the Game do not allow restart decisions (corner kicks, throw-ins etc.) to be changed once play has restarted, so they cannot be reviewed.”
Dennis Bonaventure continued his rampage on the Manchester goals as Club Brugge remained on the attack throughout most of the first half.
Manchester United caught a break when Anthony Martial was able to score the equaliser for the English club 36 minutes into play giving the visitors a much needed away goal before they play the return leg of the Europa round of 32 stage on Thursday 27 February at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was happy to walk away with a draw given the alternative outcome after a game dominated by the home side.
He gave the following statement in his post-game interview:
“They were difficult conditions out there. It was almost like an AstroTurf. The ball was very quick and lively.
“Anything could have happened so I’m pleased we got the away goal. Anthony was very composed with his finish, but we know we can play better.”
