Louis Van Gaal forced to pin blame for defeat on Murphy’s Law

Manchester United’s chances of progressing in the Europa League are in the balance after they threw away the lead to go down 2-1 at FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.

Memphis Depay’s close-range finish put United in front in the 37th minute, but Pione Sisto — capitalising on a Michael Carrick error — equalised seven minutes later, and a fine strike from Midtjylland substitute Paul Onuachu with 13 minutes to go then handed the Danish champions victory on the night.

Red Devils goalkeeper Sergio Romero produced a series of fine saves after replacing David de Gea, who was forced to pull out of the first XI having sustained an injury in the warm-up, while Jesse Lingard was unlucky not to restore United’s lead at 1-1 as his effort hit the bar.