Manchester United and Manchester City shrugged off the disappointment of being dumped out of the Champions League to inch confidently closer to the Europa League last 16 on Thursday.

United defeated Ajax in Amsterdam 2-0 with Ashley Young and Javier Hernandez finding the target in the first leg of their last-32 tie.


Manchester United players celebrate during the UEFA
Cup League, round of 16, football match between
Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena. Pic/AFP.

City, meanwhile, came back from a goal down to beat defending champions Porto 2-1 with substitute Sergio Aguero grabbing the winner in the 84th minute.

At the Amsterdam Arena, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a full-strength side, but he had to wait until the 59th minute to see the opening goal struck by Young, who has only recently returned to action following a lengthy injury lay-off.