Manchester United defeated by FC Midtjylland

Manchester United slumped to a poor 2-1 defeat to Danish champions FC Midtjylland on Thursday night, in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie.

As if they didn't have enough to worry about on the injury front following Wayne Rooney's new problem, United lost goalkeeper David de Gea to an issue of his own in the warm up. No word at time of publish on the extent of his injury, but Sergio Romero stood in to replace him. He had a busy night.

Donald Love started at right back, and because of De Gea's withdrawal no United goalkeeper sat on the bench. Romero was called into action in the early stages of the game, denying Kian Hansen's header from close range. The home side are well-renowned for their set-piece strengths, and would remain a threat throughout.

After more missed chances - at both ends - Midtjylland were presented with their best opportunity of the half. United were on the attack with a set piece of their own, but a ball lofted over the top put Vaclav Kadlec clean through on United's goal - from inside his own half. He had the pace to put him in position, but declined the chance to square the ball to a teammate and instead saw his poor shot denied by Romero.

And within 56 seconds, United went down the other end and scored. Jesse Lingard made use of space he found down the right side, and after his low cross, Memphis Depay managed to bundle the ball home at the second attempt. The lead didn't last long though, after Pione Sisto's mazy run bamboozled United's defenders and he managed to fire home on the stroke of half time - via the help of a deflection.

United had looked to settle in the early stages of the second half, and Jesse Lingard wasted a couple of chances he should perhaps have done better with. His second attempt rebounded off the bar, following good work by Ander Herrera.

Even as United controlled possession, though, the home side remained dangerous and direct on the break. Sisto was a constant menace throughout the evening, and substitute Paul Onuachu nearly made an instant impression after his introduction. 

His header drew a world-class save from Romero on the hour, but as the match progressed into the closing stages he did manage to make the difference on the scoreboard. He managed to fire home from the edge of the box after poor United defending, to cap a famous night for the hosts and yet another to forget for Louis van Gaal.

The return leg at Old Trafford is coming up next Thursday, and United have a lot of work to do.