Javier Hernandez scored early for Manchester United in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League tie against Ajax, but his team almost threw away a massive three-goal lead.
Manchester United Vs. Ajax, 2012 UEFA Europa League: Red Devils Sneak Through
Following their 2-0 win in Amsterdam and Hernandez's goal, United conceded twice at Old Trafford, setting up a dramatic finish, but they held on for a 3-2 aggregate victory to advance to the Round of 16. They will meet Athletic Bilbao, who advanced earlier on Thursday.
Hernandez's sixth-minute strike was set up brilliantly by a lightning fast counterattack by the Red Devils. Park Ji-Sung started it with an interception and Dimitar Berbatov provided the assist with a great ball over the top. Hernandez beat his defender with a great cut-back dribble before placing the ball past Kenneth Vermeer to extend his team's lead in the tie.
Aras Özbiliz scored on a bit of a scramble, taking advantage of some poor defending by United to score in the 37th minute. Things got dramatic in the 87th minute when Toby Alderweireld headed in a free kick by Özbiliz to make it 3-2 on aggregate, but Ajax would not create another good chance as United held on for the victory.
For more on the Red Devils, head over to Manchester United blog The Busby Babe.
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