Fergie takes blame as United limp on

Manchester United stumbled into a Europa League last-16 meeting with Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford last night after coming perilously close to being knocked out by Ajax.

Two goals ahead of the Dutch giants at kick-off after an excellent performance in Amsterdam a week ago, the Red Devils got off to the perfect start when Javier Hernandez put them in front after just six minutes.

United failed to capitalise though. And after Aras Ozbiliz had levelled on the night, the midfielder then set home nerves jangling three minutes from time by dropping a free-kick on to the head of Toby Alderweireld, who powered home from close range.