Manchester United vs. Midtjylland: Score, Reaction from 2016 Europa League

Louis van Gaal can thank teenage debutant Marcus Rashford for saving his side in the UEFA Europa League last 32 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

The 18-year-old emergency striker, who stepped into the team at the last minute, bagged a second-half brace to help United to a 5-1 win over FC Midtjylland (6-3 on aggregate), capping a comeback that may ease some of the pressure on the beleaguered Dutch manager.

Van Gaal saw his team trailing 3-1 on aggregate after Pione Sisto had opened the scoring for the Danes to shock the United faithful. But an own goal evened things on the night before half-time, setting the stage for Rashford to steal the show.

Ander Herrera and and Memphis Depay also scored to add a flourish to a pair of stylish displays as United turned on the style late on.

Van Gaal had picked an oddly assembled defence, one featuring midfield playmaker Michael Carrick as a makeshift centre-back. United confirmed the starting XI:

But just like in the first leg, the Dutchman was forced into a very late change. This time, French striker Anthony Martial was ruled out late, forcing Rashford into action, per BT Sport:

IMG Premier League reporter Ian Irving summed up how United's lengthy list of injury woes made Van Gaal's team selection for him:

"

So #MUFC start 2nd choice keeper, their 4th choice right and left backs, a 1st choice midfielder in defence and 6th choice striker up front

— Ian Irving (@ianirvingtv) February 25, 2016"

Midtjylland also confirmed their team, one very similar to the group that produced a 2-1 win in the first leg:

A tame first half was brought to life in five frantic minutes. First, Sisto put Midtjylland ahead after gliding too easily past the labouring Carrick in the box before rolling a shot beyond Sergio Romero.

But United took less than five minutes to answer when Depay ran his full-back ragged and fired a low cross that deflected in via Midtjylland centre-back Nikolay Bodurov.

It was fitting that Depay made the goal since he was giving the Midtjylland defence a torrid time. Former United striker Andrew Cole was wowed by the Dutch winger's impudent skills:

But Cole then saw his old club spurn two excellent chances to draw level in the tie. First, Morgan Schneiderlin headed against the post, before Juan Mata was denied from the penalty spot by the nimble reflexes of stopper Mikkel Andersen to keep the score level at the break.

As Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News pointed out, Mata's miss is hardly a surprise in the context of United's drab record from the spot with Van Gaal in charge:

More wasted chances marked the start of the second half for United, as Schneiderlin and Herrera fluffed their lines from close range.

It wasn't until just after the hour mark that Rashford enjoyed his fairytale moment. Teed up by Mata, the teenage attacker tapped home to finally bring United level in the tie.

There was little reprieve for Midtjylland as Depay continued to torment. So did Jesse Lingard, who thought he'd won a penalty, only to receive a yellow card for diving.

But Rashford soon struck again after nice work from the impressive Guillermo Varela. Here's Rashford's second:

Herrera struck from the spot late on, while Depay got the goal he deserved, to wrap up a welcome 6-3 aggregate result for Van Gaal and United.

Post-Match Reaction

Naturally, most of the post-match talk was focused on Rashford. Van Gaal was suitably pleased with what the young upstart produced, per Luckhurst:

Even the Dutchman's opposite number was impressed:

Van Gaal also had some kind words for Depay, although he stressed how more challenging fixtures await the inconsistent winger:

Overall though, Van Gaal was pleased with the style of United's win:

The Dutchman knows tougher tests lie ahead, specifically the upcoming Premier League clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford. But securing progress in Europe with such a patchwork team is sure to provide a huge confidence boost.