Manchester United overcome Milan, reach Europa League quarters: Records broken
Paul Pogba returned from injury to help Manchester United reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League 2020-21 season. His goal was the difference as the Red Devils overcame AC MIlan at the San Siro in their round of 16 second leg tie. Earlier, the first leg had ended 1-1. Here we present the key records scripted as United won 2-1 on aggregate.
How did the match pan out?
United were up against a well-organized Milan team who also appeared capable of adding to the late away goal that had swung the tie in their favor at Old Trafford. The likes of Rade Krunic, Alexis Saelemaekers and Theo Hernandez all threatened United's goal before the break. Pogba scored the winner against three minutes after being introduced as a half-time substitute.
Crucial stats for both the teams
United have progressed from their past two knockout ties with AC Milan in European competition, having been eliminated in the four ties prior to that (European Cup in 1957-58 and 1968-69, Champions League in 2004-05 and 2006-07). Milan have lost five of their past six home games against English teams in European competition (W1), after going unbeaten in their first 13 matches (W8 D5).
Paul Pogba notches these feats
Paul Pogba has scored in his past two away games versus Milan (also for Juventus in April 2016). This was just his second goal as a substitute for United in what was his 31st such appearance (also scored v Brighton in September 2020). This was Pogba's fifth goal of the season. He now has 37 career goals for the club in 193 appearances.
United maintain their dominance in UEL knockout stage
As per Opta, Manchester United have only lost one of their past 20 knockout stage matches in the Europa League (W12 D7), a 2-1 defeat by Sevilla in the 2019-20 semi-final.
