Ajax 0-2 Man United

Manchester United scored two away goals as they beat Ajax 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League knockout tie this evening.

In an even first half, Dico Koppers saw his effort palmed away by David de Gea, while Wayne Rooney's tame shot was comfortably saved by Kenneth Vermeer at the other end.

Siem De Jong came closest to giving the hosts the lead at the break, but his drive was tipped around the post by De Gea. Meanwhile, the returning Tom Cleverley blasted his shot high and wide for United.

The Red Devils came out the strongest in the second half and they made the breakthrough on the hour when Ashley Young calmly fired in having taken the ball past the keeper.

Aras Ozbiliz flashed a shot over the bar as Ajax pushed for an equaliser, while Christian Eriksen's stinging effort was batted away by De Gea.

United doubled their lead with five minutes to go when Javier Hernandez slotted in following a quick counter-attack from the away side.