Manchester United vs. Ajax: 6 Things We Learned from Europa League 2nd Leg

Manchester United were given a scare by Ajax on Thursday night, with the Dutch visitors pulling their Europa League tie back to 3-2 on aggregate with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

Javier Hernandez looked to have killed the contest with an early goal for United, but an equalizer from Aras Ozbiliz and a late header from Toby Alderweireld set up a nervous final few minutes for Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

United held on, however, and will progress to meet Athletic Bilbao of Spain in the last 16.

Here are six things we learned.

Hernandez Is Getting Sharper

Javier Hernandez has taken a while to get going this season, with injuries in the early part of the campaign causing him a loss of momentum.

It's taken a while for his sharpness to return, but in recent appearances Chicharito has shown himself to be close to the kind of form he displayed at United last season.

The Mexican's confident finish on Thursday night, along with his excellent movement throughout, suggest he could have a big part to play in the title run-in.

Scholes Is the Ultimate Closer

Paul Scholes has already made a number of key contributions since announcing his surprise comeback in January.

The veteran midfielder appeared as a substitute just after the hour mark against Ajax, and his calming presence was exactly what a nervy-looking United needed to secure their progress.

The central midfield combination of Ji-Sung Park and Tom Cleverley failed to stamp its authority on the game, but with Scholes holding court, the home side looked like a far more composed outfit.

De Gea's Shot-Stopping Is Worth Ferguson's Patience

David De Gea's weakness under the high ball and his general lack of authority have raised serious doubts over his credentials as United's long-term replacement to Edwin van der Sar.

But against Ajax, De Gea once again demonstrated his supreme shot-stopping with a brilliant reaction save from Siem de Jong's header.

Slowly but surely the Spaniard appears to be growing in confidence. With natural ability in abundance, De Gea may well be worth persevering with.

Old Trafford Is Far from a Fortress

Sir Alex Ferguson will surely be worried about United's home form this season.

His team conceded five in three games during the Champions League group stages and have suffered Premier League defeats to Manchester City (6-1) and Blackburn Rovers (3-3), along with a League Cup exit to Championship Crystal Palace (2-1).

Old Trafford is far from a fortress at the moment, and Ferguson will want to put that right in the home leg against Athletic Bilbao.

Inexperience Can Be Costly

Sir Alex Ferguson sent out a youthful back four of Fabio, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Rafael against Ajax, and admitted afterwards it was a mistake.

"I must say, I've got to accept I'm responsible for picking the team and I picked too many young players in the back four positions," said Ferguson. "I took a big risk."

Suffice to say some of United's wiser heads will be back in the starting 11 against Norwich at the weekend.

Young Continues to Blow Hot and Cold

Ashley Young has been two players for United this season. One is a devastating attacking talent who looks a danger every time he gets the ball; the other can be a pretty ineffective presence on the flank.

Injuries have played their part, but Young has yet to establish the kind of consistency he needs to truly make himself a key player for Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

United missed Antonio Valencia on Thursday night, but the suggestion is he could return for their key Premier League clash against Tottenham in the first week of March.