Football: United close in on Europa last-16

PARIS: Manchester United’s march towards the latter stages of the Europa League looks set to continue when they line up against Ajax at Old Trafford leading 2-0 from the first-leg in the round-of-32. United have yet to be beaten at home by a Dutch side and defender Chris Smalling said the players were committed to winning the competition. “Obviously we’d still like to be in the Champions League but we’re looking at the Europa League as a second chance,” said Smalling. “We’re going to go out there and show Europe we can still perform and win trophies.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2012.