Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their Europa League last-32 first leg against Club Brugge.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made six changes for their trip to Belgium but United found themselves 1-0 down after just 15 minutes.

Simon Mignolet’s goal-kick was allowed to bounce and Emmanuel Dennis nipped it to lob over Sergio Romero.

It was a shocking goal to concede.

Anthony Martial equalised before half-time but that’s the way the game ended in a pretty underwhelming performance from the Red Devils.

During the match, there were numerous downpours and the conditions were pretty tough for both teams.

But Solskjaer had another excuse for his side’s poor performance - the ball.

“The ball makes it hard. I think if you ask any player that doesn’t help when you want to play football," Solskjaer said at full-time.

"It’s just different, and difficult to play with. Get one and try.

"It’s the same for the two teams, of course, but the conditions weren’t nice, the wind and the rain.

"It was difficult conditions out there. It was almost like an AstroTurf. It was bouncing, the ball is very, very quick and lively. So anything can happen."

A Manchester United manager blaming the ball after a draw against Club Brugge?

Sir Alex Ferguson would never.

Club Brugge boss Philippe Clement responded to Solskjaer’s moans by saying: "We get the balls from UEFA, so it’s not our ball. In the Europa League games, it’s the same balls, so I don’t see a problem with that."

Unfortunately for Solskjaer, his side will have to play with the Europa League ball in the second leg next week…