MARTIAL CALMS STORM DENNIS

Striker’s 14th goal of the season rescues United after keeper Romero is caught out

ANTHONY MARTIAL came to Manchester United’s rescue with a precious away goal as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side toiled in Bruges.

Martial’s 14th goal of the season and his second in as many games salvaged United a draw and gives them the edge ahead of Thursday’s return leg at Old Trafford.

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero was ultimately grateful to Martial, whose goal spared the Argentine further scrutiny and criticism for his error which gifted Bruges the lead.

After their impressive 2-0 Premier League win at Chelsea on Monday, it was another case of one step forward, two steps back for United, who lacked fluency and conviction against the Belgian League leaders.

Solskjaer made six changes from the side that was so convincing at Stamford Bridge, the personnel reshuffle failing to come off as United struggled in swirling rain and bitingly cold wind.

The first chance fell to United after 13 minutes, Andreas Pereira forcing a save at full-stretch from Bruges keeper Simon Mignolet (right), who turned away his shot from the edge of the area.

Two minutes later and the hosts were in front, thanks to wretched defending and goalkeeping from the visitors, which gifted Bruges the opener.

Mignolet’s long punt forward should have been dealt with by Brandon Williams, Diogo

Dalot and Sergio

Romero, but the

United trio were all over the place.

Romero was not quick enough off his line, defenders Williams and Dalot were too slow to react, leaving Bruges striker Emmanuel Dennis to execute a perfect lob into the United net.

The UK has been battered by Storm Dennis this week and the Bruges striker of the same name threatened to blow United off course here in their quest for Europa League glory.

It was a soft goal to concede and one which infuriated Solskjaer on the touchline, with United having made a sloppy and unconvincing start to the game.

But Bruges continued to test United’s vulnerability at the back, Dennis going close to making it 2-0 just before the half-hour with an angled effort saved by Romero. United got back on