United secure rare away win on emotional day in Belgrade

Anthony Martial scored the only goal of the Europa League Group L game with a penalty kick after 43 minutes, but the hosts had eight strikes on target to just three by United.

The game marked the return to the ground where Matt Busby's famous team of talented youngsters played their last game, a European Cup quarter-final against Red Star in February 1958.

The plane crashed in Munich on the way home and seven United players were among the 23 who died.

United had only played in Belgrade once since then, when they lost a European Cup semi-final to Partizan in 1966.

On Thursday afternoon, United held a commemoration ceremony where former players Bryan Robson and Mickey Thomas laid a wreath on the centre circle at the Partizan Stadium and vice-chairman Ed Woodward gave a speech.

"As soon as the draw happened, our attention turned to wanting to remember those who lost their lives in 1958," he said.

"This was the last place, on this very ground, against Red Star Belgrade, when they played as a team together."

"So for us as a club, there is a game tonight but for us the trip is also important for remembering those who lost their lives."

For the match, United made eight changes from the team that drew at home with Liverpool on Sunday. Teenagers Brandon Williams and James Garner came into the team.

Williams, playing wing back, made a decisive contribution in the 43rd minute when he burst into the Partizan box and drew wild tackles from two home defenders. Martial rolled the penalty into the corner of the goal.

Partizan's Nigerian centre forward Umar Sadiq was dangerous throughout, hitting the post just before Martial's goal and fizzing another shot just wide. Guinean Seydoubah Soumah and Japanese Takumah Asano both forced tricky saves from Sergio Romero.

"We expected a hostile environment but we got the win," said United defender Phil Jones. "I thought Garner and Williams were outstanding."

United can ensure a spot in the knockout rounds if the beat Partizan at Old Trafford on matchday four.