UEFA Europa League

Manchester United advanced as Group L winners after defeating AZ Alkmaar 4-0 in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday at Old Trafford.

A slow first half saw the Red Devils burst into life after the interval, as United scored four in 11 minutes.

Ashley Young fired home from a tight angle after 53 minutes, and Mason Greenwood found the bottom corner five minutes later.

Jordy Clasie fouled Greenwood in the box on 62 minutes, allowing Juan Mata to slot home from the penalty spot.

Greenwood completed his brace two minutes later, and United extinguished Dutch hopes during a frenzied spell of attacking football.

Mason Greenwood scores goals.

Rinse and repeat.  pic.twitter.com/ic4r0eGaXx

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 12, 2019

It was a tale of two halves in Manchester, as United turned on the style with their rotated side.

Alkmaar, currently second in the Eredivisie, held their own before the half-time whistle, but they were shell-shocked early in the second half.

Greenwood showed why he's so highly rated at United, and the 18-year-old produced an impressive all-round striking display.

Andreas Pereira danced his way from the corner flag to the box before passing to Nemanja Matic, and the Serb slid the ball into Mata. The Spaniard's cross was met by Young at the far post, who smashed the ball home.

The opener set off a chain of events that destroyed Alkmaar's game, and it was Greenwood who took the plaudits.

United raided in numbers, and the forward produced two convincing strikes to beat goalkeeper Marco Bizot.

This game has come to life!

Mason Greenwood doubles his tally for Manchester United 🔥🔥

4️⃣ United goals in 9️⃣ minutes... pic.twitter.com/kgdHkxKy5P

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 12, 2019

Greenwood was involved in all three goals after Young's effort, firing from distance with a clean strike that beat Bizot with pace.

The England U21 player was then hacked down by Clasie as he skipped into the penalty area, and Mata made no mistake with a calm penalty.

The Bradford-born prodigy wasn't finished. Greenwood drove into the box in the right channel, and once again, the power of his effort was too much for Bizot.

United continued to dominate the flow of traffic, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appearing relaxed and satisfied in the dugout.

The victory was the perfect tonic after United's important Premier League wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, allowing the feel-good factor to continue at Old Trafford.

                           

What's Next

Both teams are back in domestic action on Sunday. United host Everton in the Premier League, while Alkmaar welcome Ajax, who drop down into the Europa after failing to advance in the Champions League, in the Eredivisie.

Arsenal came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Standard Liege on Thursday and secure their place in the knockout phase of the UEFA Europa League as group winners.

The Gunners made nine changes to their starting XI but still looked the most dangerous team in a goalless first half in Belgium.

Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka both saw shots saved by Arnaud Bodart, while Reiss Nelson put a tame header too close to the goalkeeper just before half-time.

Standard Liege took the lead straight after the break. Samuel Bastien's shot took a heavy deflection off Sokratis Papastathopoulos and beat Emiliano Martinez in the Arsenal goal.

The hosts doubled their lead through another deflected strike on 68 minutes. Selim Amallah produced a good turn and shot in the box, and the ball took a nick off Konstantinos Mavropanos on its way in.

Arsenal responded quickly with Alexandre Lacazette pulling one back from Saka's cross before the 18-year-old fired home the equaliser three minutes later.

Caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg named a young side for Thursday's match, including Konstantinos Mavropanos, Joe Willock, Nelson, Smith Rowe and Saka in his starting XI.

James Olley at the Evening Standard shared the two teams:

Standard Liege v Arsenal teamsheet: pic.twitter.com/lijzNYZq99

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) December 12, 2019

Arsenal only needed to avoid defeat by five or more goals to qualify and looked the most likely side to score in a low-quality first half.

Smith Rowe was the first to test goalkeeper Bodart on 14 minutes. The 19-year-old fired a low shot across goal that the goalkeeper managed to divert wide by sticking out a boot.

The teenager was one of Arsenal's brightest players in the first half along with Saka. Bodart denied Saka at his near post and then watched as the 18-year-old blazed a shot over from the edge of the box.

The Standard Liege goalkeeper was then called into action once more as half-time approached, parrying a shot from Saka and then catching a header from Nelson on the follow up.

Arsenal were made to pay for wasting chances at the start of the second half when Bastien tried his luck with a shot from just outside the area and saw it beat Martinez courtesy of a big deflection off Sokratis:

Arsenal have conceded the opening goal in all four of their games under Freddie Ljungberg:

⚽️ vs. Norwich
⚽️ vs. Brighton
⚽️ vs. West Ham
⚽️ vs. Standard Liège

A huge deflection to blame for the latest strike. pic.twitter.com/h54yBMYODA

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 12, 2019

The hosts then doubled their lead in similar style. Some more casual defending allowed Amallah time to turn and shoot, with the ball just taking a slight touch on its way past Martinez and into the far corner.

Yet the second goal seemed to spark Arsenal into life and they found some quality to pull one back. Saka fired in a precise cross for Lacazette to power a header home from close range and give the Gunners hope of a comeback:

Alexandre Lacazette has scored four goals in his last four starts.

— Orbinho (@Orbinho) December 12, 2019

The teenager then rescued the draw three minutes later, playing a one-two with substitute Gabriel Martinelli and then curling his shot past the goalkeeper (UK video only):

He's made one, and now he's scored one! 🔥

Bukayo Saka with a lovely one-two before placing it into the bottom corner 👌

Lovely finish from the youngster... pic.twitter.com/vVoXpQdPnN

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 12, 2019

The point is enough to send Arsenal through and into Monday's draw as group winners, while Eintracht Frankfurt progress as runners-up despite defeat to Vitoria Guimaraes in the group's other game.

     

What's Next?

Both teams return to domestic action on Sunday. Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, while Standard Liege take on Anderlecht.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer takes Manchester United into their final 2019-20 UEFA Europa League group-stage match against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday on the back of arguably the best week of his tenure as Red Devils boss.

In the space of four days last week, the Norwegian got the better of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola in 2-1 victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, respectively:

https://twitter.com/RichJolly/status/1203645421085765632

Avoiding defeat against AZ at Old Trafford will ensure United qualify for the knockout rounds as Group L winners, but Solskjaer will want to keep the momentum going after big back-to-back victories.

                     

Date: Thursday, December 12 

Time: 8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET

TV Info: BT Sport 2 

Live Stream: BT Sport App, B/R Live

Match Odds (via Caesars): United -120, Draw +270, AZ +330

                   

Guardiola's City couldn't cope with the pace of United's counter-attacking on Saturday. The Red Devils' front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Daniel James were superb at the Etihad Stadium:

Another Ederson save from Martial. United's pace on the counter a problem for City.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) December 7, 2019

It is unlikely all three will start against AZ, though, not least because United have already secured their place in the knockout rounds, if not top spot in the group.

The Red Devils also have another big Premier League game against Everton on Sunday, and Martial started against City after just returning from injury.

However, Solskjaer has some decent options to call upon instead, including Mason Greenwood, who has scored two goals and provided one assist in four Europa League appearances this season.

In Martial's absence, the 18-year-old started his first Premier League game of the season against Spurs and was an effective partner for Rashford in attack:

https://twitter.com/DanielHarris/status/1202566963551199233

AZ are unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions and sit second to Ajax in the Eredivisie.

Oussama Idrissi and Myron Boadu have scored 19 league goals between them this term, but the latter is suspended for Thursday's match after being sent off against Partizan Belgrade.

With both sides already assured a spot in the round of 32, neither side has any reason to be cagey at Old Trafford, which bodes well for an entertaining clash, particularly if there are some young players on the pitch looking to impress.  

Arsenal can book themselves a spot in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League if they avoid defeat against Standard Liege at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne on Thursday.

Even if the Gunners lose, they will advance to the last 32 if Eintracht Frankfurt are beaten at home against Vitoria Guimaraes.

After finally breaking their nine-game winless run with a 3-1 victory over West Ham United on Monday, though, Arsenal will be desperate for further success to build some momentum going into the Christmas period.

                          

Date: Thursday, December 12

Time: 5:55 p.m. GMT, 12:55 p.m. ET

TV Info: BT Sport 2

Live Stream: BT Sport App, B/R Live

Match Odds (via Caesars): Standard Liege +235, Draw +275

                         

Things are so congested in the middle of the Premier League table that, even though Arsenal recently went seven games without a win in the English top flight, a run that led to Unai Emery's sacking, they are still not out of the race for the top four:

Here's how the #PL table looks

Can anybody catch Liverpool? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/PIABunV9im

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 9, 2019

Arguably, though, winning the Europa League is already Arsenal's most realistic route back to the UEFA Champions League.

As such, they should be aiming to top Group F, which they can guarantee by winning Thursday's clash in Belgium.

The Gunners won the reverse fixture back in October 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel Martinelli, 18, scored a double in that match, and he was on the scoresheet against West Ham in his first Premier League start:

At 18y 174d, Gabriel Martinelli is the youngest player to score for @Arsenal on his first #PL start 🇧🇷#WHUARS pic.twitter.com/b7DeUwymaP

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 10, 2019

Monday's victory can only stand as a turning point for Arsenal this term if they build on it, and anything less than a win over Liege will be disappointing.

Standard are on a decent run of form. They are unbeaten in five in all competitions and lie third in the Belgian top flight.

But interim Arsenal boss Freddie Ljungberg has much greater quality to call upon in his squad than his counterpart Michel Preud'homme.

Alexandre Lacazette should be fresh after remaining on the bench against the Hammers, and Nicolas Pepe will be high on confidence after netting just his second Premier League goal on Monday:

👏

Man of the Match, @Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe 🔴⚪

Scored with only shot, his first @premierleague goal from open play

Most dribbles & successful dribbles of any player on the pitch

Involved in 17 duels, most of any Arsenal player tonight

👏 pic.twitter.com/VbaMOBwRXj

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 9, 2019

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, meanwhile, has four goals in his last four appearances in all competitions.  

Arsenal slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday that extends their winless run to seven games.

The Gunners took the lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but a fine double from Daichi Kamada gave the visitors a surprise win.

Manchester United also tasted defeat in their clash against Astana in Kazakhstan. The Red Devils went into the match with qualification already assured and names a youthful starting XI:

22y 26d - With an average age of 22 years & 26 days old, @ManUtd's starting XI against Astana is the youngest they have ever named for a match in major European competition (excluding qualifiers). Babes. pic.twitter.com/CHCME8Agql

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 28, 2019

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave debuts to six academy players and saw his team take an early lead through captain Jesse Lingard.

However, a Dmitri Shomko strike and a Di'Shon Bernard own goal handed the hosts their first win of the group stage, which means the Red Devils still have work to do to progress as group winners.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are also through to the knockout stages after playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw with Braga. The visitors threw away a 3-1 lead but still did enough to qualify with a game to spare.

Here's a look at all the results and the top winners and losers from Thursday's action:

⏰ THURSDAY'S RESULTS ⏰

✅ APOEL, AZ, Braga, Gent, LASK, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg & Wolves into round of 32...

😎 Who impressed you the most?#UEL pic.twitter.com/b4sGWMv1e6

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 28, 2019

     

Loser: Tahith Chong

Tahith Chong missed a sitter during Manchester United's defeat against Astana that would have put his side 2-0 up and in control of the game.

The 19-year-old was teed up by Luke Shaw and only needed to tap home when unmarked from close range but somehow managed to blaze the ball high and wide, as shown by BT Sport (UK only):

Tahith Chong misses an open goal 🙃

Not even a minute later Astana equalise 😶 pic.twitter.com/zGla6jX0cL

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2019

Astana capitalised on his error and equalised 38 seconds later. The hosts then went on to claim the victory and earn their first Europa League points of the season.

Unsurprisingly, Chong came in for criticism for his miss:

Horrendous miss by Tahith Chong, who's consoled by Lingard. Best piece of play all night by Shaw. #mufc

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 28, 2019

He is absolute garbage. Let's be honest here.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) November 28, 2019

Chong is out of contract at Manchester United and will reportedly not renew with the Red Devils, according to Calciomercato.com (h/t Metro).

Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News offered his thoughts on the youngster:

Astana only one of three Europa League teams without a point. Chong - who is stalling on a new #mufc contract - has again not done anything to suggest he would be a major loss. Doubt it'll be Pogba Mk.II if he does go.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 28, 2019

Solskjaer defended Chong after the match and said strikers should not worry about missing chances, per Metro. However, there is no doubt it was a costly error that proved to be the turning point in the game.

Winner: Aubameyang's record against Frankfurt

Aubameyang may have ended up on the losing side against Frankfurt on Thursday, but he at least maintained his superb record against the Bundesliga side with another goal.

The Gabon international fired Arsenal in front just before half-time to net his 10th goal in 13 appearances against Frankfurt.

Aubameyang's goal was his 10th of the season in all competitions from 16 appearances as he reached double figures for the ninth campaign in a row. The 30-year-old's strike was the only bright spot in a disappointing night for the Gunners, and the club's predicament would be far worse if they did not have the prolific striker in their ranks.

Winner: Raul Jimenez

Raul Jimenez netted his 15th goal of the season for Wolves on Thursday and also popped up with two assists in a rollercoaster 3-3 draw with Braga.

The Mexico international continued his red-hot goalscoring form by firing Wolves back on level terms on 13 minutes following Andre Horta's early opener. Jimenez then teed up Matt Doherty to fire Wolves ahead with a cute pass that the defender stooped to head into the back of the net.

Wolves netted a third when Jimenez fed Adama Traore to drill a low shot across goal less than two minutes later to extend the visitors' lead.

Manchester United and Arsenal both suffered 2-1 losses during Thursday's UEFA Europa League action to Astana and Eintracht Frankfurt, respectively.

The Red Devils had already secured a spot in the next round, but the Gunners still had a job to do. With Standard Liege drawing away to Vitoria Guimaraes, they're all but assured a ticket to the knockout stages with a three-point advantage and four-goal head-to-head goal difference advantage over the Belgian side, who they face in their final group game on December 12.

Elsewhere, AS Roma kept their chances of progressing alive by beating Istanbul Basaksehir 3-0, and Wolverhampton Wanderers booked their spot in the next round with a 3-3 away draw with Braga.

Here are Thursday's full results:

⏰ THURSDAY'S RESULTS ⏰

✅ APOEL, AZ, Braga, Gent, LASK, Sporting CP, Wolfsburg & Wolves into round of 32...

😎 Who impressed you the most?#UEL pic.twitter.com/b4sGWMv1e6

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 28, 2019

The latest Europa League standings (Team, Goal Difference, Points):

Group A

Sevilla, 12, 15

APOEL, 1, 7

Qarabag, -3, 4

Dudelange, -10, 3

   

Group B

Copenhagen, 2, 9

Malmo, 1, 8

Dynamo Kyiv, 0, 6

Lugano, -3, 2

   

Group C

Basel, 6, 10

Krasnodar, -1, 9

Getafe, 1, 9

Trabzonspor, -6, 1

   

Group D

Sporting, 7, 12

LASK, 4, 10

PSV, -3, 7

Rosenborg, -8, 0

   

Group E

Celtic, 6, 13

Cluj, 0, 9

Lazio, -1, 6

Rennes, -5, 1

   

Group F

Arsenal, 7, 10

Frankfurt, -1, 9

Standard, -2, 7

Vitoria, -4, 2

   

Group G

Rangers, 2, 8

Porto, -2, 7

Young Boys, 1, 7

Feyenoord, -1, 5

   

Group H

Espanyol, 9, 11

Ludogorets, 0, 7

Ferencvaros, -2, 6

CSKA Moscow, -7, 2

   

Group I

Gent, 3, 9

Wolfsburg, 1, 8

Saint-Etienne, -1, 4

Oleksandriya, -3, 3

   

Group J

Monchengladbach, -2, 8

Roma, 6, 8

Basaksehir, -3, 7

Wolfsberger, -1, 4

   

Group K

Braga, 4, 11

Wolves, 2, 10

Bratislava, -1, 4

Besiktas, -5, 3

   

Group L

Manchester United, 4, 10

AZ, 11, 9

Partizan, -3, 5

Astana, -12, 3

   

United traveled to Kazakhstan with a young squad, and it cost them.

For the hosts, it marked the clear high point of their campaign:

FT: Astana 2-1 Man United

Astana are at the bottom of Group L and have allowed 15 goals through 5 Europa League matches 😳 pic.twitter.com/1pGzSvcMMm

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 28, 2019

Things started well for the Red Devils, who took the lead through Jesse Lingard in the 10th minute. They gradually lost their intensity as the match wore on, however, and by half-time, Astana were the better side.

Dmitri Shomko tied things up 10 minutes after the break, and an own goal from from Di'Shon Bernard seven minutes later gave the hosts an unexpected win over the Premier League giants.

In the other match in Group L, AZ Alkmaar fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw against Partizan Belgrade and book their spot in the knockout stages. Myron Boadu was sent off in the 83rd minute, but Ferdy Druijf scored two late goals to lead the comeback with 10 men.

Frankfurt were supposed to be without their fans in London, but things turned out a little different:

Frankfurt score a second and now I am thinking there might actually be more of their fans in here than Arsenal! Loads of them cheering around the ground.

I really don't care, in fact fair play to them... But did the stewards not notice that everyone has German accents?

— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) November 28, 2019

Daichi Kamada scored twice for Eintracht to overturn Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's opener. Manager Unai Emery was loudly jeered by the home fans, and his time at the helm of the club appears to be as good as over.

AS Roma cruised to a 3-0 win over Istanbul Basaksehir, but that result was overshadowed by an incident in which Lorenzo Pellegrini was left bloodied by an object thrown at him from the stands in Istanbul.

Corriere Dello Sport's Jacopo Aliprandi shared these images:

pic.twitter.com/CmYcLWNsob

— Jacopo Aliprandi (@AliprandiJacopo) November 28, 2019

Krasnodar beat Basel to ensure the battle in Group C will go down to the wire, with the Swiss side now just one point ahead of the Russians and Spanish side Getafe.

Group G is just as close, with Feyenoord holding Rangers to a draw to leave the Scots a single point ahead of Porto and Young Boys.

Arsenal slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday at the Emirates Stadium to leave their qualification hopes for the knockout rounds hanging in the balance and pile more pressure on manager Unai Emery. 

Granit Xhaka made his first appearance for Arsenal since being stripped of the captaincy after being booed by Gunners supporters while being substituted in a home draw against Crystal Palace in October.

Emery's side took the lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang swept in a shot that flew up onto the underside of the crossbar and bounced over the line.

Frankfurt hit back in the second half through two goals in nine minutes from Daichi Kamada. The midfielder curled the equaliser on 55 minutes and added a second with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area nine minutes later.

The Gunners could not muster a response and saw their winless run extend to seven games in all competitions.

Emery named a strong team for Thursday's match. Xhaka was back in action and partnered David Luiz in midfield, while Aubameyang started in attack.

The Evening Standard's Simon Collings offered his thoughts on the starting XI:

Emery said yesterday: "My future is today and tomorrow."

His team tonight suggests that.

Brings back Xhaka - not played since October 27.

Starts Aubameyang - didn't even train before last Europa League game.

Knows tonight is must-win.

— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) November 28, 2019

The Gunners started the game strongly and had early opportunities to make the breakthrough. Joe Willock and Aubameyang both missed the chance to head Arsenal in front on 11 minutes from close range.

Gabriel Martinelli then went even closer after a mix-up in the visitors' defence gifted him possession in front of goal, but he could only place his effort straight at goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow.

Arsenal lost David Luiz to injury after half an hour. The Brazilian was replaced by Matteo Guendouzi after picking up a chest problem:

Confirmed chest injury for David Luiz.

Xhaka had a knock to his ankle but has emerged for the second half. #AFC

— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MMBonF1) November 28, 2019

The Gunners lost their way after a bright start but managed to make the crucial breakthrough with half-time looming. Martinelli slid Aubameyang in, and his deflected effort flew in via the underside of the crossbar.

Opta highlighted the striker's impressive record against Frankfurt:

10 - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 10 goals in 13 appearances against Eintracht Frankfurt in all competitions, more than he has against any other opponent in his professional club career. Scourge. pic.twitter.com/cLCyvlN460

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 28, 2019

Frankfurt made two changes at half-time, bringing on Dominik Kohr and Mijat Gacinovic for Gelson Fernandes and Andre Silva which helped get them back in the game.

Kamada levelled the match 10 minutes after the restart after being given far too much space by Arsenal. The midfielder was allowed to turn, come infield and then curl a left-footed strike past goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Emery sent on playmaker Mesut Ozil for Martinelli, but the momentum was with Frankfurt, and they grabbed a second goal in the 64th minute.

A corner was only cleared to the edge of the box and to Kamada, and once again the midfielder had time to collect the ball and find the bottom corner with a low strike:

2 - Daichi Kamada has scored his second and third goals for Eintracht Frankfurt, having netted just once in 27 appearances for the club prior to tonight. Effortless. pic.twitter.com/iQfF5RkzhG

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 28, 2019

Frankfurt finished the game as the stronger team and had chances to extend their lead. Gacinovic saw a shot blocked by Sokratis Papastathopoulos, while Goncalo Paciencia fired narrowly wide in stoppage time.

A chorus of boos greeted the final whistle from the Arsenal fans as the Gunners missed the chance to confirm their place in the knockout stages with another poor performance.

The Gunners are still in pole position to qualify from Group F and will progess by avoiding defeat to Standard Liege in their final group game on December 12.

    

What's Next?

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday at Norwich City. Eintracht Frankfurt's next fixture is away  at Mainz in the Bundesliga on Monday.

Premier League giants Manchester United could not get past Astana during Thursday's 2019-20 UEFA Europa League action, losing 2-1. 

Jesse Lingard gave the visitors the perfect start, but Astana improved as the match wore on and drew level early in the second half through Dmitri Shomko. An own-goal from Di'Shon Bernard gave them a shock win over the Premier League giants.

The Red Devils had booked their spot in the knockout stages in the previous round. AZ can claim the lead in Group L with a win over Partizan Belgrade later on Thursday.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted for a young side featuring four debutants and nine academy graduates:

📝 Ole names a youthful XI to face Astana...#MUFC #UEL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 28, 2019

United started well and had their first look on goal after just five minutes, with Mason Greenwood drawing a save from Nenad Eric.

The Astana players barely got a touch in the first 10 minutes, and it led to an early goal for Lingard, who took advantage of indecisiveness in defence. After a poor first touch, he was allowed far too much space on the ball, and his deflected effort found the net.

Lingard hadn't scored in some time:

Jesse Lingard has scored his first Manchester United goal since January 2019 against Arsenal in the FA Cup.

He ends a run of 28 games without a goal. pic.twitter.com/KMKZx5iR47

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 28, 2019

The hosts had no real answer, and Lee Grant's first save was a simple intervention on a floated delivery.

Lingard nearly doubled his tally after 20 minutes, picking out the same corner as he did for his goal. Eric was again beaten, but the ball dragged just wide. At the other end of the pitch, Dorin Rotariu only just missed the mark after a smart run.

Astana improved as the half wore on, but chances were rare for the hosts. Abzal Beysebekov had a good look on goal shortly before the half-time break, but he aimed his strike straight at Grant. United's Angel Gomes unsuccessfully claimed a late penalty before the official put an end to the half.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News noted the United substitutes were desperate to stay warm during the break:

All six #mufc outfield subs warming up at half-time, just to keep warm more than anything.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 28, 2019

The hosts came out strong to start the second half, with Rotariu firing several good free-kicks into the box. Astana deserved a goal for their efforts, and they got it after 10 minutes courtesy of a good finish from Shomko.

Per The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, the goal came shortly after Tahith Chong missed a golden opportunity to double the lead:

Should be 2-0 United but instead it’s 1-1 + Dmitri Shomko is on his knees kissing the pitch in celebration. Really good finish but got in too easily.

Only Chong knows how he missed at the other end after fine work by Shaw. #mufc

— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) November 28, 2019

The youngster somehow missed the open net from close range.

And things got even worse for the visitors shortly after. Just past the hour mark, Antonio Rukavina did well to find space to fire a ball into the box, and Bernard accidentally put it in his own net.

It was quite the turnaround for a team that hasn't found much success in Europe:

FC Astana have lost their last six Europa League games by an aggregate score of 1-17.

They are beating Manchester United 2-1. 😳#UEL LIVE: https://t.co/oTp4CZjwFt#bbcfootball #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ypJKvrRLLY

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 28, 2019

The Red Devils pushed for an equaliser, but Eric made back-to-back wonder saves to deny a Gomes free-kick and Greenwood strike. Runar Mar Sigurjonsson also had a good look on goal, firing wide, but Astana shifted their focus to defending their lead in the final 15 minutes.

Solskjaer gambled by bringing on Largie Ramazani and Ethan Galbraith late, but United couldn't mount a comeback. 

   

What's Next?

United will host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. Astana's next match is the Europa League fixture against Partizan on December 12.

Arsenal should seal progress to the last 32 of the 2019/20 UEFA Europa League by beating Eintracht Frankfurt at home on Thursday night.

The Gunners are in control of Group F, and a win over the visitors from the Bundesliga would guarantee top spot ahead of the final matchday. Arsenal won the reverse fixture 3-0 in Germany back in September, but the north London club have been mired in a slump recently.

Unai Emery's team have won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, leaving the Spaniard under intense pressure to keep his job. A thin crowd is expected at the Emirates Stadium, with Frankfurt fans banned and home supporters disgruntled with the current direction under Emery.

      

Date: Thursday, November 28

Time: 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET

TV Info: BT Sport 2

Live Stream: BT Sport App. B/R Live.

       

Odds

• Arsenal: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
• Frankfurt: +285 (bet $100 to win $285)
• Draw: +260

Odds per Caesars.

Frankfurt supporters are banned from attending following incidents of unrest during a game against Vitoria Guimaraes in October. Even so, Simon Collings of the London Evening Standard detailed how Arsenal have restricted ticket exchange options for home fans who many not wish to attend.

In addition, the Gunners "have laid on extra security to ensure there is not a repeat of the Cologne game in 2017, when visiting supporters clashed with stewards, causing kick-off to be delayed."

The anticipated sparse crowd will make for a strange atmosphere during what is already a testing time for Emery. He is in danger of losing the support of those above him, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein (h/t Rhys Daly of the Daily Express): "Things are on the pitch, and to a certain extent off the pitch, spiralling out of control, and it could get to a point that they feel they have to make a change."

Replicating past success in the Europa League could be Emery's only way to avoid the boot. He won the tournament three times with Sevilla and guided Arsenal to last season's final.

Winning the Europa League looks like the Gunners' best bet to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League, given they are eight points adrift of the top four.

Emery still has the attacking quality to help his team thrive in Europe. Yet he has struggled to unlock the potential of club-record signing Nicolas Pepe:

Nicolas Pépé’s game by numbers vs. Southampton:

33% dribbles completed
2 fouls committed
0 passes into the box
0 chances created
0 shots on target

Not a vintage performance... ❌ pic.twitter.com/NvCK52Hl0U

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 23, 2019

Fortunately for Emery, Pepe's fellow summer signing Gabriel Martinelli has made a fast start to life with Arsenal. The Brazilian may be given the nod to start in a competition he has impressed in so far:

🇧🇷 The goals & the assist that earned new @Arsenal hero Gabriel Martinelli the #UEL #POTW award! pic.twitter.com/qh4Cyd8nfZ

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 4, 2019

This is a good game for Pepe, Martinelli and others to prove their worth considering Frankfurt are winless in three matches. However, the team that reached the semi-final last season still have enough ingenuity in the final third to cause Arsenal's shaky defence a few problems.

Bas Dost, 30, is an experienced striker who can boss teams in the air, while Filip Kostic provides, pace, trickery and an eye for a pass from the flanks. If Frankfurt make a fast start, the visitors will capitalise on the nerves among the Arsenal players and any frustration from the stands.

Arsenal can secure their spot in the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League knockout rounds if they avoid defeat at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday. 

Manchester United are already through, but they will be keen to take a tighter grip on top spot in Group L with a victory at FC Astana.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard's Rangers are in action at Feyenoord in Group G, and PSV Eindhoven visit Sporting CP in a very tight Group D.

Here are all the fixtures for Thursday's Matchday 5, along with predictions, odds and viewing information:

                                     

Group A 

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: F91 Dudelange 1-2 Apoel Nicosia (Home +310, Draw +300, Away -125)

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Sevilla 3-1 FK Qarabag (Home -250, Draw +390, Away +675)

Group B 

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Lugano 1-1 FC Copenhagen (Home +205, Draw +205, Away +155)

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Malmo FF 3-2 Dynamo Kiev (Home +180, Draw +225, Away +160)

Group C 

3:50 p.m. GMT/10:50 a.m. ET: FK Krasnodar 1-0 FC Basel (Home -125, Draw +320, Away +290)

3:50 p.m. GMT/10:50 a.m. ET: Trabzonspor 0-2 Getafe (Home +450, Draw +290, Away -160)

Group D 

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Rosenborg 1-1 LASK (Home +350, Draw +310, Away -140)

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Sporting CP 2-2 PSV Eindhoven, BT Sport Extra 2 (Home +145, Draw +245, Away +185)

Group E

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Celtic 3-1 Rennes, BT Sport 3 (Home -180, Draw +340, Away +460)

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Lazio 1-1 CFR Cluj, BT Sport Extra 2 (Home -215, Draw +355, Away +570)

Group F 

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Arsenal 2-2 Eintracht Frankfurt, BT Sport 2 (Home -105, Draw +260, Away +285)

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Vitoria Guimaraes 1-0 Standard Liege (Home +120, Draw +245, Away +225)

Group G

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Feyenoord 1-1 Rangers, BT Sport 3 (Home +150, Draw +235, Away +185)

8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: Young Boys 1-2 FC Porto, BT Sport Extra 2 (Home +185, Draw +250, Away +140)

Group H 

5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 ET: CSKA Moscow 3-0 Ludogorets Razgrad (Home +100, Draw +245, Away +285)

5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 ET: Ferencvarosi TC 0-1 Espanyol (Home +170, Draw +230, Away +165)

Group I 

5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 ET: Oleksandria 1-3 VfL Wolfsburg (Home +450, Draw +320, Away -170)

5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 ET: Saint-Etienne 2-2 KAA Gent (Home +135, Draw +245, Away +200)

Group J

5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 ET: Istanbul Basaksehir 0-2 Roma (Home +250, Draw +280, Away +100)

5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 ET: RZ Pellets WAC 1-4 Borussia Monchengladbach (Home +350, Draw +295, Away -135)

Group K

5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 ET: Besiktas 0-0 Slovan Bratislava (Home +125, Draw +280, Away +190)

5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 ET: Sporting Braga 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers, BT Sport 2 (Home +160, Draw +180, Away +225)

Group L

3:50 p.m. GMT/10:50 a.m. ET: FC Astana 2-3 Manchester United, BT Sport 2 (Home +225, Draw +225, Away +125)

5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 ET: AZ Alkmaar 2-2 Partizan Belgrade (Home -195, Draw +360, Away +475)

Live-streaming links: BT Sport App, B/R Live 

Odds per Caesars

                

Arsenal are enduring one of their worst spells in recent memory.

They have not won a game in any competition since October 24, a run of six matches:

Arsenal have failed to win six consecutive matches across all competitions for the first time since 1998 😬#MOTD pic.twitter.com/XeFFkvTY0U

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 23, 2019

On Saturday, the Gunners needed a stoppage-time goal from Alexandre Lacazette to earn a point against lowly Southampton, and they were booed from the Emirates Stadium pitch:

Arsenal were booed off once again after another dismal draw.

How much longer can the club resist fans demanding for a change?

MORE: https://t.co/RRPKdumbdb pic.twitter.com/vuCktShqeG

— Fox Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) November 24, 2019

Unai Emery's position at the club is hanging by a thread, and anything other than a victory on Thursday will pile even further pressure on the Spaniard, even though a draw would take them through.

Eintracht are in their own rut at the moment after three losses on the bounce, but they will have genuine ambitions of getting something from their meeting against Arsenal given the north London club's current malaise.

Rangers, meanwhile, are on a run of six consecutive victories, and in their most recent outing in the Europa League, they recorded a landmark 2-0 win over Porto.

Only three points separate all four teams in Group G.

However, Gerrard's side are one of the front-runners as they are tied on seven points with group leaders Young Boys.

A victory over Feyenoord, who they beat 1-0 at home in September, would put the Dutch side out of the tournament, but even a draw would be a decent result as Rangers aim to reach the knockout rounds of a European competition for the first time since 2010-11.