Midtjylland vs. Manchester United: Goals, Highlights from the Europa League Tie

A Wayne Rooney-less Manchester United returned to European action on Thursday, though not in the way they might have hoped.

The Red Devils travelled to Denmark to face FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie, in a tournament that is becoming increasingly important for Louis van Gaal if he's to maintain the club's Champions League credentials.

Their task became even tougher when David De Gea was ruled out with an injury sustained in the warm-up.

Though his replacement, Sergio Romero, allayed fears with a fine save after a quarter of an hour:

"

Redding Sergio Romero. pic.twitter.com/N4yfvPoYAh

— Manchester United NL (@MUFC_NL) February 18, 2016"

The Argentine did well to deny an opposing striker in a one-on-one situation...

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Makkelijke redding Romero. pic.twitter.com/t1sEX4oowl

— Manchester United NL (@MUFC_NL) February 18, 2016"

...before Memphis Depay poked United in front.

But the lead didn't last long, Pione Sisto firing home as half time approached.

Jesse Lingard went close after 55 minutes when his volley struck the woodwork:

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Lingard op de lat: pic.twitter.com/5T7d97WlTl

— Manchester United NL (@MUFC_NL) February 18, 2016"

And United had Romero to thank shortly afterwards thanks to the Argentine's brilliant reflexes.

But even an inspired performance from the goalkeeper couldn't keep out Paul Onuachu's strike with 15 minutes to play.

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Onuachu 2-1 https://t.co/9IbnNBwNrN

— NP Vine (@NPlayerVine) February 18, 2016"

And that was how it stayed, Midtjylland recording a valuable and famous victory while the pressure mounts against Louis van Gaal.

[Twitter]