Manchester United didn't perform well in the first half of their UEFA Europa League first leg match against Ajax, but came out with a much better performance in the second half to come away with a 2-0 away victory. Ajax won't have much of a chance to progress to the next round after failing to get at least a draw at home, and the second leg might just be a fun little run-out for the Red Devils.
Ajax Vs. Manchester United, 2012 Europa League: Red Devils Win After Great Second Half
Ajax put Man United under all kinds of pressure in the first half, but couldn't find a breakthrough. While Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick were overrun in the middle, the Red Devils defense and David De Gea did their part to keep it 0-0 heading into halftime, where Alex Ferguson made some adjustments -- or at least subjected the team to a great team talk.
Ashley Young found the breakthrough for the visitors in the 59th minute, following a corner kick. Young was the man who took the corner, but Ajax failed to clear the ball on multiple occasions immediately following the set piece. This eventually resulted in a cross by Nani which found Young, who scored easily with a passed shot down the middle. Ajax goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer will be disappointed that he didn't at least get a hand to the shot.
'Chicharito' Javier Hernandez scored the clincher for United, netting his first goal in Europe this season and his ninth goal in all competitions. Antonio Valencia started the move with a pass to Wayne Rooney, who set up the Little Pea with a simple finish with a great ball across the box.
Unfortunately for United, even though they kept a clean sheet, the game ended on a sour note. Valencia picked up an injury, and had to be substituted off.
For more on the Red Devils, check out Manchester United blog The Busby Babe.
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