Having conceded a late away goal to Simon Kjaer in last Thursday’s first leg at Old Trafford, United had everything to do in order to reach the Europa League quarter-finals. – By Madellene Kalunda.
Through the returning Paul Pogba, they found the goal they required to eliminate Milan’s slender advantage and record a famous victory.
Paul Pogba returned from injury to score the winner as Manchester United beat AC Milan 1-0 on Thursday to reach the Europa League quarterfinals.
He was brought on at halftime and had an immediate impact as he scored two minutes later to help United secure a 2-1 aggregate victory.
In Milan, former Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimović also made his comeback from injury as a substitute but saw his best effort saved as his powerful header found goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Ibrahimović played for United from 2016 to 2018 and helped win the Europa League in 2017. That was the English side’s last trophy.
United started positively at San Siro but Milan slowly got into the match and had the best chance with the last kick of the first half as Rade Krunić volleyed wide of the left post.
Pogba had missed the past 10 matches but warmed up during halftime and replaced Marcus Rashford immediately after the break.
He put United in front moments later. Milan failed to clear the ball following a shot by Daniel James and the ball eventually fell to Pogba, who fired into the roof of the net from close range.
Pogba almost set up a second for United three minutes later when he found Mason Greenwood but the forward’s attempt was saved by Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Pogba also headed over shortly before full time in a dynamic performance from the Frenchman.
As Milan grew impatient, United remained resolute. They move into the last eight.
