Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Again as artful Dutch masters
Tony Watt also illustrated his European nous, winning countless fouls.
By the time Steven Fletcher skewed a shot wide from inside the box after the break, there was real belief that United could take a lead to the Netherlands.
Tele Sport understands that Scott McMann failed a late fitness test.
With Aziz Behich yet to receive clearance, it meant Kieran Freeman – a natural right-back – was pitched in at left-back.
And he was clearly targeted by the Eredivisie outfit.
AZ repeatedly zipped clever passes in behind Freeman, releasing Mayckel
Lahdo on several occasions. In truth, the winger was let down by his final ball.
Towering striker Vangelis Pavlidis also ghosted past Freeman to meet a deep delivery, forcing Mark Birighitti into a sharp low save in the visitors’ best chance of a breathless opening 45.
However, by the end of the night, Freeman can be proud of diligently sticking to his task and playing his part in a precious clean sheet.
AZ threatened. Pavlidis lashed a ferocious drive inches wide and Hakon Evjen forced a stop from Birighitti.
However, United never looked overawed and always retained attacking impetus.
And Tannadice erupted on the hour-mark when the hosts claimed the lead.
Levitt sprayed a fine pass out to Middleton, who skipped past his man and produced a delightful exchange of passes with Jamie McGrath – on for his United debut – before curling a sumptuous curling drive beyond Verhulst.
Following his United bow against Kilmarnock last weekend, Middleton told of his desire to recapture the form which made him such a precocious breakthrough star with Rangers as a teenager.
What a start, this was.