AC Milan scored a later header to rescue a deserved draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League tie.
The Italians, who were without star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, showed that their lofty Serie A position is no accident.
The visitors continued to dominate however but failed to take advantage.
Amad was introduced at half-time and needed only six minutes to strike as he flicked aheader looped over Gianluigi Donnarumma.
United thought they would take a slim lead to the San Siro, but Milan equalised in added time courtesy of Simon Kjaer’s header.
United’s January arrival could be their next superstar.
The winger has been fast tracked into the first team picture and played for a third straight game in Europe.
He came on as a half-time sub and scored just six minutes later.
Amad looks a ready made United player and, despite Solskjaer looking to introduce him slowly, the teenager is showing that he’s ready to be a regular on the big stage.
With the likes of Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood struggling to find top form the Ivorian is certainly an option.
2. Martial being Martial
“He’s inconsistent but on his day he is unplayable” is a phrase used to describe many, but few personify it more than Martial.
Only four days ago the Frenchman was producing an outstanding display as United won the Manchester derby.
The forward has not enjoyed his best season to date, but his performance at the Etihad was a sign that his best form could be returning.
Against Milan though Martial failed to assert himself and was largely inaffective.
Solskjaer hooked him a half-time with Amad coming on to replace him in what was an evening to forget.
3. VAR strikes again
Last night we had Phil Foden’s penalty that wasn’t given and tonight its Kessie’s goal.
The Milan midfielder fired home an excellent opener – or so he thought.
It looked as if Kessie had chested the ball down before striking home from 20 yards. Clearly he thought the same as he reeled away in celebration.
Not a single United defender put their hand up appealing, but VAR had the final word.
The ball was deemed to have brushed Kessie’s arm and the goal was ruled out. A moment that seems to sum up the current state of football.
4. Maguire, how did you miss?
Literally. The United skipper somehow failed to put his side ahead in the first-half.
He was allowed to run in at the back post unmarked and was found by Bruno Fernandes’ flick on.
It genuinely was harder to miss but Maguire still managed it as his shot, from less than a yard, came off the post.
5. Project rebuild
Go back 14 years and this match was a Champions League semi-final featuring Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Milan went on to win the tournament that year, seeing off Liverpool in the final.
United would then rule Europe 12 months later which underlines the strength of both teams.
Today though, not only are they not European champion material but they’re not even playing in the Champions League.
United and Milan both have young, somewhat unproven coaches at the helm but are both heading in the right direction.Their current status as Europa League clubs is reflective of where they are at, but there are plenty of promising signs.
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