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Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Thiago Alcantara as Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted that the club are willing to sell a prized asset for a "fair transfer fee".

Thiago only has one year left to run on his current contract with Bayern, and has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool over the past few months.

Rummenigge confirmed in July that the 29-year-old has turned down the opportunity to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena, with it his desire to experience a new challenge away from Germany after seven successful years in the Bundesliga.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted to being a great admirer of the Spain international, but Bayern have yet to receive any offers for a man who is reportedly being valued at around €35 million (£31m/$41m).

Bayern head coach Hansi Flick addressed speculation over Thiago's future before his side's Champions League win over Chelsea on Saturday, conceding that he is not sure whether the midfielder will still be on the club's books next season.

“If he wants to try again in the Premier League now, I totally understand," said Flick. "But it would be a shame because Thiago gives our game that certain something.

“That's why I would like, as a coach, to have him on the team for the next few years, but that's life. It would go on.”

Rummenigge has now doubled down on his previous comments regarding Thiago's current situation, while admitting that Bayern are ready to sanction his departure if an appropriate bid is lodged in the coming weeks.

"Regarding Thiago, it's known that he told us he wanted to do something new," the Bayern chief told German publication Bild.

"If a club approaches us that is willing to pay a fair transfer fee, we will work on it."

The Spanish playmaker played 70 minutes of Bayern's 4-1 last-16, second-leg victory against Chelsea, which ensured that they progressed to the quarter-finals of this season's European Cup 7-1 on aggregate.

Flick is now preparing his team for a huge last-eight clash with Barcelona in Lisbon on Friday, when Thiago will look to mastermind the downfall of the club that gave him his start in the professional game back in 2009.

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has castigated the club for letting go of some of his key players whom he wanted to use in the coming season.

The British coach has admitted the financial situation at the club has forced him to start a rebuilding process after losing key players Joash Onyango, Charles Momanyi, Boniface Omondi, Peter Odhiambo, and Kenneth Muguna - and conceded it might affect the team's performance next season.

“That is not a good question to ask me, because you know from the word go, my intentions were to keep my best players for the new season,” Polack told Goal when asked why the league champions were losing key players this transfer window.

“I think you know why [the players are leaving] and why I am mad, all the players that are leaving they are quality players and I will be a selfish coach to say now I want to say I will want to keep them because you know the financial situation at the club.

“First of all, they have made their decisions to leave because of the circumstances the club finds itself in [in terms of finances], it is the big reason why they have left, I would have loved them to stay, but players come and go but the club will still be there.”

Polack continued: “It is a very big issue when you lose your quality players, it is a blow to any team be it at Barcelona, Arsenal or Real Madrid, it is not good to lose your quality players, but the problems we are facing now [financial issues] have even made the situation worse.”

On what he will do the fill the void left by the departing players, Polack said: “I don’t know, I don’t know what plans the club have, I have convened a meeting with the officials and I hope it will give us the direction now that the window is open.

“I have a number of players I want to sign but it can only happen with finances on the table, I am waiting for the office to give me direction, we might sign more players, I don’t know if we will, but I am waiting.”

K'Ogalo have only managed to sign keeper Levis Opiyo from Nairobi City Stars so far.

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Stanton Fredericks feels that the Soweto giants are firmly in control of their Premier Soccer League (PSL) title chances despite a serious challenge from closest competitors Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs play their first match after the season restart on Wednesday when they host Bidvest Wits at Orlando Stadium.

After enjoying a 13-point gap at the top earlier in the campaign, before having that lead cut to four points by second-placed Sundowns, Chiefs’ title challenged appeared to be in trouble, but Frederick described his former team as “very resilient” and believes that all is not yet lost for the Soweto giants.

“Chiefs have their destiny in their hands to tilt the scale to their advantage. The first two games of the league’s restart will be crucial. If they win those, they will be in a good position,” Fredericks told the Kaizer Chiefs official website.

After the Wits match, Chiefs face relegation-threatened Polokwane City three days later.

But the Wits match comes on the backdrop of an uninspiring spell just before the season was suspended in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Before the break, Chiefs had won two matches, lost as many and drew one in their last five games and it was a run in which they dropped eight points and allowed Sundowns to close the gap.

It also compromised their chances of a first league title since 2015 but Fredericks feels going on a league title drought is nothing unusual.

“It happens... all great teams go through hardships at times,” said Fredericks who named the players he thinks could carry Chiefs to glory in their last eight games.

“This side, however, has some real quality players, like Samir Nurkovic, Lebogang Manyama, Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro,” Fredericks said.

“If you look at Samir, it’s amazing how quickly he adapted to South African football, being from a different country and culture. It’s not easy to settle immediately in another country, but he managed to do just that. That’s class.

“The spark to the team’s success is Willard Katsande. He’s a real leader on the field, which he shows in his actions by chasing every ball. That motivates the other players to emulate him. Look at Nurkovic, he is always putting the opponent’s defence under pressure.”

Resuming action against a Wits side that has already endured a strong challenge from Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals could prove difficult for Chiefs.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta can use the club's FA Cup triumph as a springboard to compete for Premier League titles, according to Martin Keown.

The Gunners slumped to their worst top-flight finish in 25 years in 2019-20, after failing to recover from a disastrous start to the campaign under Unai Emery.

Their fortunes began to change when Arteta was drafted in to replace Emery in the Emirates Stadium hot seat, but they still ended up falling short of the European places.

Arsenal finished a whopping 40 points behind eventual champions Liverpool, and 10 adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, who ultimately secured the final Champions League spot.

Fortunately, Arteta's men were able to qualify for the Europa League via another route, as they overcame Chelsea at Wembley to win the FA Cup on August 1.

The Gunners saw off Manchester City in the last four before beating the Blues 2-1 in the showpiece, thanks to a double from star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Keown believes Arteta is capable of closing the gap on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool after delivering his first piece of silverware at the Emirates.

The ex-Arsenal defender says his old club have the same core values in place which have served the Reds so well in recent times, as he told Football London: "We’ve heard Jurgen Klopp say about the history of that club, when they walk into that club and they see the trophies they’ve won and the players they’ve had.

“Arsenal is no different. With the FA Cup, we’ve almost moved competitions. Consistency wins you Premier League trophies, that’s the difference.

“You’ve only got to win six matches to win an FA Cup but nonetheless you’ve still got to beat the best teams. The last five winners have all done that.

"There has always been a big history and a big expectation at Arsenal. The minute I walked through the front door the photographs said it all. You’re here to win trophies.

"It was a bit of a barren spell in terms of championships but the club was emerging again, through the FA Cup.

“Maybe now he will use it again to win Premier Leagues."

Keown added: "By winning trophies you demonstrate that when things go well it clicks. You’re good enough to beat the teams that win the leagues.

"What you want to do is win the Premier League, get into that top four. Arteta will be ambitious to do that. It’s a great start and great for his confidence by the way, he’s a rookie manager but not anymore after winning a trophy.

"It keeps everybody on board. People listen more when you win things. You can roll out all the best ideas but you have to be able to execute the plan. They did that brilliantly since lockdown.

"I think it’s about the group realising that they’re good enough to win things. Then the name of the cup just changes. To win a Premier League you have to be far more consistent than we’re currently being.

"That’s the next step for Arteta but it’s good for the players to see that they’re capable of winning things, beating a very good Chelsea team in the process, but it’s still a rebuilding project for Arteta and Arsenal Football Club."

Yanga SC have continued bolstering their squad for next season with the signing of Burkinabe forward Songne Yacouba.

The 27-time league champions confirmed the arrival of the former Asante Kotoko SC striker via their official social media. 

"New signing; Yacouba Songne will land in Jangwani," Timu ya Wananchi said in a short post on their Facebook page. 

The West African forward becomes the first foreign player to land in the Tanzania Mainland League giants' side.

The 28-year-old Songne has also played for Etoile Filante de Ouagadougou before his exploits took him to the Ghanaian side in 2018.

In May 2018, his rich form in the pitch saw him win the Player of the Month Award. 

The new striker is set to take the position of Democratic Republic of Congo citizen David Molinga, who was let go by the team despite scoring 11 goals in the concluded season.

Yanga, who are currently without a coach after the exit of Luc Eymael, have reportedly listed former Simba SC coach Patrick Aussems among those who can replace the Belgian.

The Jangwani Street-based giants are currently in the market to hire a coach after they fired the Belgian on the final day of the 2019-20 Mainland Premier League season.

Goal understands Yanga are looking at several options including former coach Hans van der Pluijm but the name of Aussems, who guided Simba to the league title in the 2018-19 campaign before he was shown the exit door after a poor show in the Caf Champions League, has also emerged.

"It is true [Aussems] is also being considered for the job since the club is looking for a coach who has been in the country before, and one who will have no difficulties to settle in when he takes up the role," a source from Yanga, who did not want to be named, told Goal.

"We all know what Aussems did at Simba, he is a good coach, who can bond well with the squad we are building around, and I can confirm his name emerged recently during a meeting discussing the issue of the coach but we have not made contact, maybe we will if they zero in on him."

Robert Lewandowski is now the "best player in the world" ahead of Lionel Messi, according to Lothar Matthaus, who has described the Bayern Munich striker as the Barcelona superstar's "successor".

Lewandowski took his tally for the season to 53 in 44 games after netting a double in Bayern's 4-1 win over Chelsea in the Champions League on Saturday.

The final result at Allianz Arena saw Hansi Flick's side progress to the quarter-finals of the competition 7-1 on aggregate, with a heavyweight encounter against Barcelona up next.

The Blaugrana beat Napoli 3-1 to book their place in the last eight, with Messi grabbing the headlines for a stunning solo goal which saw him take on five defenders and pick himself up from the ground before curling the ball into the far corner of the net.

The diminutive Argentine is widely considered to be the greatest footballer in history, and he picked up a record-breaking sixth Ballon d'Or award in 2019 after another stellar year.

Messi has carried a disjointed Barca side once again over the course of the current campaign, but Matthaus believes Lewandowski has now overtaken the 33-year-old as the best in the business.

Ahead of Bayern's clash with the Spanish outfit in Lisbon on Friday, the club legend told Bild: "Messi faces his successor as the best player in the world: Robert Lewandowski. He is the best player, not just the best forward.

"The Barca of today is no longer the same as before. They have Messi, of course. A player like him is always capable of genius.

"But he alone will not be enough against this Bayern. Barcelona does not scare me."

Matthaus is confident that his old club will reach the Champions League semi-finals at Barca's expense, as he told Sky Germany: "Naturally Barcelona have enough quality to produce the best of themselves in one game, but I think Bayern will have to make many mistakes and do many things wrong to lose against this Barcelona."

Bayern striker Thomas Muller was asked to weigh in on the Lewandowski-Messi debate after their victory against Chelsea, and urged his team-mate to prove that he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the Barca talisman.

"We'll see that on Friday. Lewy will have to answer this question," said the Germany international.

"Messi also played very well [against Napoli]. But it's up to Lewy and us to answer this question in Lewy's favour on Friday."

Anthony Martial looked a "£100 million player" and was labelled a "Ferrari" by Owen Hargreaves after Manchester United's Europa League win over Copenhagen. 

France forward Martial won the penalty from which Bruno Fernandes scored to send United to the semi-finals via a 1-0 extra-time win in Cologne on Monday. 

The Red Devils had 14 shots on target and hit the woodwork twice in the quarter-final tie against the Danish outfit, with Martial impressing while leading the line ahead of Marcus Rashford, Fernandes and Mason Greenwood. 

Former United midfielder Hargreaves was effusive in his praise when commenting on Martial's fine performance as part of his role as a pundit for BT Sport. 

"Everyone's got an opinion on Martial. He's a Ferrari," he said.  

"He just looked like a £100 million player."

His performance also drew applause from manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has been impressed by the 24-year-old striker's development over the course of the season.

"He was sharp," the Norwegian coach told reporters.

"Anthony has developed throughout the season, he was involved with the penalty. 

"He's impossible to stop at times when he gets the ball into his feet and he drives at people, his balance, he can go either way.  

"The only thing now is to put that ball in the back of the net again. I'm delighted with his performance, though." 

Ex-United forward Robin van Persie was also impressed by what he saw and described Martial as "world-class", while club legend Paul Scholes hailed him as “unstoppable”, adding: "Now I think he’s brought the all-round game. He’s got everything, he can beat a man, he can score goals, he’s got everything you’d want in a centre-forward."

Martial has scored 23 times in 47 appearances in all competitions this season, making him United's top scorer in 2019-20, with Rashford one goal behind.

United, who are chasing their first piece of silverware since 2017, will face the winner of Tuesday evening's tie between Wolves and Sevilla in the final four of the competition, while Shakhtar Donetsk and Basel will square off to decide who will take on Inter in the other semi-final. 

John Utaka has recounted how former Nigeria internationals Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha served as a source of encouragement to him.

The forward watched on television as Kanu inspired the West Africans to win the 1996 Olympic Gold medal in Atlanta.

Utaka then got a chance to play with the former Arsenal star in the Super Eagles in 2000 after he was handed his first call-up following his impressive performances for Egyptian club Ismaily.

The winger, who had 49 caps for the three-time African champions, revealed the roles of Kanu and Okocha in helping him to settle in the national team.

“Kanu competed in the Olympic games. He inspired me a lot because he was not a fast player but he is very smart and very technical in games,” Utaka told the Montpellier website.

“When I got my first call-up to Nigeria in 2000, he was there with Okocha and for me it was… I was watching them on TV and there I was playing with them. It was a dream fulfilled.  

“They encouraged me by telling me not to be afraid to express myself as I knew how to do and especially to listen to the coaches. It was good advice.”

Utaka explained there was a lot of pressure while playing for the Super Eagles as players have to give their best for the side at all times in order to continue enjoying the support of their fans.

“There are lots of expectations when playing for Nigeria. We are about 180 million in population and almost everyone loves football,” he continued.

“In each match, there is always immense pressure for the XI who starts the match. Every time I wore this jersey I knew there was no room for errors.

“Above all, you have to give your all whether we win or lose. We have to play well because the fans don’t forgive. It is very important you give it your all when playing for Nigeria because there is a lot of criticism.”

Utaka returned to France after leaving Portsmouth in 2011, joining Montpellier, having previously featured for Lens and Rennes.

The winger played a key role as the Stade de la Mosson outfit won the 2011-2012 Ligue 1 title for the first time in their history and scored 12 goals in 68 appearances during his two-year stay with the side.

“I think it was a collective strength. We could core in any way. Sometimes Mapou could score, other times it was Vito. It was not just one player even if it was obvious Olivier,” he added.

“Giroud did us a lot of good. He was like a scoring machine. When we make an effort to give him the ball he finishes well and we were champions of France.”

After leaving the Stade de la Mosson outfit, Utaka played for Turkish club Sivasspor before he made a return to Egyptian club Ismaily in 2016.   

The forward also featured for Nogoom El Mostakba, Aswan and Sedan before his retirement from professional football.

The 38-year-old former Nigeria international is currently Montpellier U19 assistant coach.

Ex-Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes “there is no way" Mamelodi Sundowns will beat Orlando Pirates in Tuesday’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) showdown, saying the Soweto giants’ biggest trump card could be Downs’ "weak" defence.

The two giants kick off the resumption of league action at Dobsonville Stadium.

Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ narrow 3-2 victory over Bidvest Wits in last Saturday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final match, their defensive frailties were badly exposed, especially errors by Motjeka Madisha, which led to the Students’ goals.

Although Lekgwathi acknowledged that Pirates have not been at their best defensive-wise, having conceded more league goals than Sundowns this season, he feels Pitso Mosimane’s charges currently have the worst rearguard between the two sides.

“I watched Sundowns play Wits and the way they play, there’s no way they will beat Pirates,” Lekgwathi told Far Post.

“If you look, the downfall of Pirates is conceding goals, lousy goals but we can score. Even if Pirates concede against Sundowns, Pirates are going to score more goals if they don’t change their defence. Sundowns’ weakest link is in central defence.”

Pirates forward Frank Mhango, who is the current league top goal-scorer, would be looking to add to his 14 goals and could be a nightmare to Sundowns if he picks up from where he left off before the break.

“Sundowns will be playing against the current top goal-scorer. It’s going to be difficult to mark him because he is hungry to be the top scorer. He wants to continue where he left off. He is still going to continue with the hard work and score goals,” continued Lekgwathi.

“Mhango’s close friends were talking about him. You can tell that he is happy to play for Pirates and he respects the badge. He is willing to die for the team. If you hear his story, then you will understand why he is so serious about his career.

“One thing I like about foreign players is that they take their jobs seriously. You can see when Mhango plays that he does so wholeheartedly. He respects his job. He understands the team he plays for. Pirates are not an ordinary team.”

But what could be Sundowns’ advantage is that they have match fitness, having already been involved in competitive action after the restart of football in South Africa.

They face a Pirates side that would be playing their first game after the season restart.

The race for the league title could also be a force to spur on second-placed Sundowns, who are four points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs and have played a game less than Amakhosi.
 

SC Villa have announced their fourth signing this transfer window after unveiling goalkeeper Martin Ssenkooto.

The 23-year-old has arrived at the record Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions from Super Cubs Soccer Academy in Rubaga after agreeing to pen a three-year contract.

“SC Villa have secured the services of keeper Martin Ssenkooto who joins the club on a contract until 2023,” the club said in a statement seen by Goal.

“The 23-year-old who started his career with Super Cubs Academy in Rubega has promised to perform at the very top in order to prove his worth.”

On signing for the Jogoos, Ssenkooto told reporters: “I am very delightful to join this great club, together with the rest of the team, we have an opportunity to show the world that we are the best in the land.

“Joining Villa is every player’s dream and I am happy that my dream has eventually come alive. I have trained with both coach Edward Kaziba [head coach] and coach Kitheru [goalkeeing coach] and they are great people to work it.”

Ssenkooto joins the Jogoos fresh from Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he pursued a qualification in finance and he has set a dream of making at it Villa and turn professional in the future.

On the keepers who inspire him across the world, Ssenkooto said: “I look up to Andre Onana, the Cameroon goalkeeper because I like his style and discipline. I am sure at Villa I will further my career and eventually end up playing post-graduate football in the US, I have my eyes on MLS.”

On signing the youngster, coach Kaziba said: “Martin has been performing very well with the reserves and he’s been impressive.

“Now the time for him to prove himself with the seniors is here, I am confident he will show his worth, we couldn’t have signed him at a better time like now.”

The signing of Ssenkooto comes just a day after Villa confirmed the signing of highly-rated player Goffin Oyirwoth Godfrey ahead of the new UPl season.

Goffin is a product of Buddo SS where he won the National Championship and the East Africa Secondary Schools title before he was spotted by Express, but last season played his football on loan at Katwe United.

Ssenkooto becomes the fourth signing for Villa after Meddie Kibirige, Andrew Kiwanuka and Goffin Oyirwoth.

Romelu Lukaku and Nicolo Barella were on target as Inter saw off Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 to reach the Europa League semi-finals.

Inter led 2-0 inside 21 minutes at Merkur Spielarena in Dusseldorf – Barella opening the scoring before Lukaku squeezed in a record-setting goal.

Leverkusen star Kai Havertz pulled one back three minutes later, with VAR then denying Lukaku – the first player to score in nine successive UEFA Cup or Europa League games – the chance to double his tally from the spot, a fate he would suffer again in second-half stoppage time.

Alexis Sanchez went close to marking his first appearance since signing permanently for Inter with a goal midway through the first half, but the Nerazzurri's blistering start ultimately proved enough to book their semi-final place.

In a frantic opening, it was Inter who went ahead after 15 minutes – Barella sending a brilliant outside-of-the-boot finish into the bottom-left corner.

Barella latched onto a rebound from a blocked Lukaku shot for Inter's opener, but the former Manchester United striker had his goal six minutes later when he held off Edmond Tapsoba and turned in a low finish.

Lukaku squandered a golden chance to extend Inter's lead moments later, and he was swiftly made to pay as Havertz drilled in from close range.

Momentum appeared to have swung back in Inter's favour within two minutes – Daley Sinkgraven adjudged to have handled in the area – but referee Carlos del Cerro Grande changed his decision after consulting VAR.

Roberto Gagliardini might have restored Inter's two-goal cushion following the restart, had Lukaku not got in the way of his effort.

Lukas Hradecky made fine saves to deny Sanchez – who played on through an apparent hamstring injury suffered late on – and Victor Moses as Inter pressed for a third, though it looked as if they would have the final say when Christian Eriksen was awarded a penalty.

However, VAR worked against Inter for a second time, the referee overturning his initial decision due to an accidental handball from Barella but, fortunately for Inter, they were not made to rue the call. 

What does it mean? Inter looking strong

Leverkusen were arguably the strongest side Inter would have to face in this side of the draw, and the Nerazzurri have passed the test. While Shakhtar Donetsk or Basel will be no pushovers, Conte's side should be confident of reaching their first European final since 2010.

Record-setting Lukaku rolls on

With his brilliantly taken goal, Lukaku cemented himself in the Europa League record books, adding another accolade to what has been a fantastic first season with Inter.

Tah and Tapsoba found lacking

With Sven Bender suffering a late injury, Peter Bosz was left without one of his most experienced players, and the former Borussia Dortmund man was certainly missed as Inter got at Leverkusen's youthful centre-back pairing of Jonathan Tah and Tapsoba time and time again.

Key Opta Facts

- Leverkusen have been eliminated in each of their last three quarter-final appearances in the UEFA Cup/Europa League, having previously exited against Osasuna in 2006-07 and Zenit St Petersburg in 2007-08. 

- Inter are the first Italian team to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League since 2014-15 (Napoli and Fiorentina), while two of the four Italian teams to do so in the competition have been managed by Antonio Conte (also Juventus in 2013-14).

- Romelu Lukaku has been directly involved in nine goals in European competition for Inter this season (six goals and three assists); excluding qualifiers, the most by a player for the club in a single season since Samuel Eto'o in 2010/11 (13).

- Among players aged 21 or under within the top five European leagues, only Kylian Mbappe (69) has scored more goals than Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz (38) across all competitions since the start of last season.

- Inter's Ashley Young made his 50th appearance in major European competitions (excluding qualifiers), while he has finished on the winning side in exactly half of those games (25/50).

What's next?

Shakhtar or Basel, who play on Tuesday, will face Inter on August 17. Leverkusen, meanwhile, will now prepare for the new Bundesliga season, which starts in September.

Bruno Fernandes netted an extra-time penalty as Manchester United edged past Copenhagen and into the semi-finals of the Europa League with a 1-0 win.

United secured Champions League qualification through their Premier League position but headed to Germany hoping to secure a first piece of silverware for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager.

The Old Trafford outfit were frustrated for long periods on Monday, struggling to negotiate the woodwork, a series of VAR reviews that repeatedly found fairly in Copenhagen's favour and a remarkable display from goalkeeper Karl-Johan Johnsson.

But Stale Solbakken's side - playing their first major European quarter-final - could not hold out and, with Anthony Martial in inspired form, Fernandes settled the one-legged tie with 95 minutes on the clock.

United survived a couple of early scares, but they then looked to have been awarded a spot-kick as Martial was bundled over, only for a VAR check to identify an offside against Harry Maguire in the build-up.

The technology went against United again in first-half stoppage time. Mason Greenwood raced through and fired into the net via the post but, like Maguire, had been stationed beyond the last defender.

That same theme continued after the break as Greenwood's shot bounced back out off the foot of the post and Marcus Rashford, on the rebound, was flagged offside when he routinely netted.

And the woodwork foiled United once more with 27 minutes remaining as Fernandes sent a dipping drive cannoning into the opposite upright.

But then Martial came to the fore. Johnsson got a strong right hand to a swirling strike and the United forward was denied a dazzling solo effort by Victor Nelsson's crunching last-gasp challenge that took the match into extra-time.

Johnsson blocked with his legs as Martial prodded goalwards from a tight angle and then won that battle again as the dominant striker danced through.

The goalkeeper's hard work was swiftly undone, though, as Andreas Bjelland knocked Martial to the ground and Fernandes proved clinical from the penalty spot.

Johnsson was determined to keep Copenhagen in contention and saved smartly from Mata, then instinctively from Fernandes and finally, with the end of his toe, from Mata once more. It was not enough to rescue a result.

What does it mean? Red Devils survive rollercoaster

United started the match by gifting Copenhagen two presentable chances, while they astonishingly netted only once, but this developed into an encouraging performance.

Admittedly against tiring opponents, Solskjaer's men controlled the tempo and created chance after chance, clinching a fine if frustrating win.

Martial both mesmerising and maddening

The best and worst of United's number nine was in evidence as he rose to the occasion but somehow failed to score. Relatively quiet until the closing stages of normal time, Martial soon had the ball on a string as he weaved in and out of despairing challenges, only to find Johnsson his equal time and again.

Contest catches up with Copenhagen

The underdogs were good value for parity through 80 minutes, even as they rode their luck, with United enduring the odd nervy moment at the other end.

But their exertion eventually told as Bjelland conceded a slightly harsh penalty. Johnsson was required to make a ludicrous 13 saves by the final whistle.

Key Opta Facts

- United have reached the Europa League semi-finals for the second time in the last four seasons – most recently managing to do so in 2016-17 when they went on to win the competition under Jose Mourinho.

- United have kept a clean sheet in 73 per cent of their games under Solskjaer in the Europa League (8/11); the highest percentage of any manager to have taken charge of 10+ games at a club in the competition.

- Fernandes has scored 100 per cent of the 13 penalties he has taken in 2019-20 for both Sporting CP (6) and current club United (7).

- United's opener was the 21st penalty they have been awarded this season, more than any other side within the top five European leagues in 2019-20.

- Since the start of the 2017-18 Europa League, Fernandes (13 goals, 8 assists) has had a direct hand in 21 goals in the competition, more than any other player during this period.

- Johnsson made 13 saves this evening, the joint-most by a goalkeeper in a single Europa League game since the competition's re-branding in 2009-10.

What's next?

United are through to face either Wolves or Sevilla, semi-final opponents against whom they surely cannot afford to be so profligate.

Babu Salim has stated he has not degraded himself by leaving his head coach role at Western Stima and joining Wazito FC as an assistant coach.

Prior to his recent move, the tactician served as the head coach for Sony Sugar as well and some people have reportedly questioned his ambitions after what they felt is a step behind.

"Coming to Wazito does not mean I have degraded myself as some critics put it," Babu told Goal on Tuesday.

"It is another challenge for me and I am taking it with both hands. Sometimes in life, some decisions need you to be bold and this is one of them, it needed me to be bold."

The youthful tactician admits a big challenge awaits him but he is keen helping his new team perform well.

"Stability is what we are going for first to ensure the team starts delivering," Babu continued.

"As you are aware, my main job is to assist [Fred] Ambani who is my head coach. I understand the immense pressure for the team to perform and I am ready for it.

"We are building a team that will consistently perform and compete in all the competitions we will be taking part in."

So what was the reaction of Western Stima owner Laban Jobita when he learned of [Babu's] exit?

"The truth is that I have not told him I am leaving? This has just happened and I could not tell him over the phone because of my respect for him," he revealed.

"I will meet him in person either [Tuesday] or Wednesday and discuss the move and explain why I had to take it. He is an understanding person and I believe he will support my move."

Babu was confirmed on Monday, August 10, and spoke of his ambition at the club.

"Joining Wazito is a great opportunity because I am joining a team with big ambitions and I want to be successful here. My role is that of an assistant coach and my duty is to help the head coach, that is what I will stick to," he concluded. 

For Cyriel Dessers, the 2019/20 season may be reviewed with a tinge of sadness given a hugely prolific campaign with Heracles Almelo was truncated with eight games to go.

The 25-year-old was joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie after 26 games, level with Feyenoord’s Steven Berghuis, even though he was playing in a side with lesser technical quality. Interestingly, of his haul, only one came from the penalty spot, whereas Berghuis netted seven from 12 yards. While this isn’t a slight on penalties, given they still have to be converted, it remains arguably the easiest way to score.

Last year’s turnaround was pleasing to see given he’d endured a frustrating 18/19 at Utrecht where he made only 11 appearances all season, scoring three goals. This immediately put him on Nigerians’ radar given he’s eligible to represent the West African nation through his mother, and his willingness to play for the country was music to the ears of Super Eagles supporters.

“I know it's a strong ambition of mine, but sometimes you need to stay focused and not get distracted as a professional footballer,” Dessers told BBC Sport in February. "Everyone in the family is hoping — and to be involved with Nigeria would be incredibly amazing for my career. To get a chance to stand at the door is a step forward.”

Those words were gratifying to hear as Nigerians had grown tired and frustrated with the tendency to chase players not interested in representing the three-time African champions. This time, however, it was no fool’s errand on the Nigeria Football Federation’s part with the forward enthused by the prospect of representing the Super Eagles.

He’d secured a 'dream' call-up for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in March but the pandemic put his aspirations on ice.

Dessers has since reiterated his desire to play for Gernot Rohr’s team after recent reports claimed he’d been in contact with Belgium, the country of his birth.

“They made a story from nothing. I didn’t even talk with Belgium and then they make a story,” Dessers told AOI last week “I said I hoped for a call [from Nigeria] in September, but that’s not even sure. That’s the coach who decides, it’s not in my hands. It’s just the click-bait sites who take things out of context and make juicy titles.”

In truth, those words will have further endeared him to the African nation’s followers, who probably kept a keen eye on his Genk debut vs Zulte Waregam on Sunday afternoon. He scored from the spot to complete the away side’s comeback win, but his involvement in countryman Paul Onuachu’s equalizer was striking.

Dessers made the most of a long punt downfield from Tobe Leysen, held the ball up well to occupy the home side’s centre-backs Olivier Deschacht and Ewoud Pletinckx. This allowed Onuachu ghost into the box unmarked, and the towering forward finished expertly on his weaker foot to level for the Smurfs nearly 20 minutes after his introduction.

The turnaround was just what the doctor ordered for Hannes Wolf’s side, who wanted to begin this campaign with a win after last season’s disastrous title defence. De Smurfen, led to a first title in eight years by Philippe Clement, were disappointingly in seventh before the First Division was halted and they’ll hope their new main striker is as successful as Mbwana Samatta was before the Tanzania striker’s move to Aston Villa in January.

From a Nigerian perspective, the emergence of Dessers has opened up more possibilities for Rohr, given the upward trajectory of current main striker Victor Osimhen, who was the undoubted star of 2019. After Odion Ighalo’s retirement, there were doubts as to where the goals will come from but Osimhen’s expedited development, Dessers’ rise to prominence and even Kelechi Iheanacho's mini-resurgence at Leicester City proves those fears were somewhat premature.

Still, as an observer, returning to Belgium seemed a bizarre choice by the ex-Heracles man. The First Division isn’t a significantly stronger league than the Eredivisie, evidenced by Uefa’s coefficient ranking of Belgium (eighth) and the Netherlands (ninth) at the start of 19/20.

Genk haven’t also been consistent participants in the Champions League – this season was their first appearance the UCL in eight years – so it was strange that Dessers opted to return to the Belgian top flight when he, maybe, could have waited for that big move to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

At 25, he’s about to enter his prime years, and a sideways move to the First Division not only seemed ill-advised but also short-sighted.

A lot can change in a year, as Osimhen’s last 12-to-18 months have proved. Regardless, the Napoli man’s age and higher ceiling were major elements on his side and the jury remains out on whether Dessers can truly be Nigeria’s star of 2021.

FC Copenhagen captain Zeca expressed his gratitude to Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Monday's Europa League quarter-final tie.

The Red Devils beat the Danish side 1-0 to progress to the last four of the competition, with midfielder Bruno Fernandes scoring the decisive goal from a penalty in the first half of extra time.

Despite his side's disappointment, United supporter Zeca took the opportunity to praise the coach for the progress the team have made since he took over, while Solskjaer turned it into an embarrassing moment for his star player Fernandes.

"Thank you very much for everything you're doing with Manchester United," Zeca said to Solskjaer when he came up to shake his hand after the final whistle.

"We're trying to get it back. He's helping. This boy is helping," the United boss replied, gesturing towards Fernandes as the midfielder walked alongside them smiling.

"He's a little bit angry that I was going to take him off. He was giving you the ball all the time."

Zeca revealed his love for the Old Trafford side in the build-up to the encounter in Germany, reserving particular praise for Portuguese star Fernandes, who went on to make the difference on Monday.

"United have been my favourite team since I was little. My dream was to play at Old Trafford, so it's a bit of a shame that we play in Germany," he told Danish newspaper  Bold earlier last week.

"I love Bruno Fernandes. He is really good, and one player cannot shut him down, so we must work well together as a team to succeed."

United will meet the winner of Tuesday's clash between Sevilla and Wolves in the final four of the Europa League, while Inter will face either Shakhtar Donetsk or Basel in the other semi-final.

"Now it's time to hopefully take the next step and go to the final and hopefully win it," Solskjaer said in the wake of the win over Copenhagen. "It's Wolves or Sevilla, two good teams, we don't mind."