Manchester United vs. AC Milan score: Simon Kjaer snatches deserved late draw in Europa League first leg

The Dane denies Manchester United after Amad Diallo opener at Old Trafford

AC Milan have the advantage after the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 clash with Manchester United thanks to Simon Kajer's late goal in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Thursday. 

After Rafael Leao and Franck Kessie had first-half goals ruled out for the Italians and Harry Maguire contrived to miss a very good chance for the Premier League outfit, winter arrival Amad Diallo popped up with an excellent headed goal to separate the two sides. Bruno Fernandes teed up the Ivorian youngster who joined from Serie A side Atalanta BC back in January and the 18-year-old beat Gianluigi Donnarumma to open the scoring and it looked like it would be the only goal of the game.

However, deep into added time, Kjaer headed home from a corner to ensure that Milan return to Italy level and with an away goal to their name going into next week's second leg. It was not the classic that the continental histories of both sides promised that it would be, but it still delivered a good dose of entertainment and controversy and the tie is now set up for an absorbing second leg to see who reaches the quarterfinals.

Here are takeaways from Thursday's first leg.

Diallo delivers

It took him less than five minutes on the pitch to make a difference, and it was further proof that United have a real talent on their hands for the coming years. The boy from Abidjan got a taste for European football when he made his senior debut against Real Sociedad in the last round and wasted little time in proving that he is ready for further involvement -- in any competition.

Milan merit

With Leao and Kessie having goals ruled out in the first half, Milan will feel that the result could have been very different. Alexis Saelemaekers, Brahim Diaz and Rade Krunic perhaps did enough to merit at least a goal and Stefano Pioli's men could have other important attacking figures back for the return leg. In any case, Kjaer secured the potentially crucial and deserved away goal, meaning United will have to score in the second leg in order to advance.

Fernandes comes through again

It was not a goal but the Portugal international was key again and chipped in the vital assist for Diallo's goal in behind Fikayo Tomori. The 26-year-old has been accused of fading a bit in recent weeks after his superb start to life at Old Trafford and many clubs would be grateful for a star of Fernandes' ability to deliver even when not regularly at his best.

VAR takes away from Milan

If Leao's goal being ruled out for offside was understandable, Kessie's stunning effort being chalked off via VAR due to handball in the build-up will sting. Not only was it a superb goal, but it was also a debatable decision and one that the Rossoneri will feel change the course of the game in the favor of their hosts after an encouraging start. Fortunately for them, Kjaer ensured that justice was ultimately served.

[Mar 11, 2021 at 3:00 pm ET · Jonathan Johnson]

Milan will feel that justice was served there. All to play for in leg two and the Italians will likely have some important players back for that one!

[Mar 11, 2021 at 2:47 pm ET · Jonathan Johnson]

Drama! Kjaer levels for Milan late on. Nobody can say that it was undeserved.