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Solskjaer blames ball for Manchester United's draw at Club Brugge

BRUGES, Belgium -- Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said the ball was partly to blame for the club's 1-1 draw with Club Brugge.

Anthony Martial's away goal has put United in the driving seat to progress in the Europa League but Solskjaer admitted his team had endured a tough night because of the inclement weather and the ball used by UEFA in the competition.

"It was a difficult game against a well organised team in difficult conditions.

"The conditions with the pitch and the ball made it hard. It's different and difficult to play with, but it's the same two teams. The conditions weren't nice," said Solskjaer, who didn't expand on what made the ball an issue.

Club Brugge coach Philippe Clement disagreed with Solskjaer's assessment and insisted afterwards said his team should have been awarded a second-minute penalty in an incident that he believed should have seen goalkeeper Sergio Romero sent off for his challenge on Emmanuel Dennis.

"We get the balls from UEFA, so it's not our ball," said Clement.

"In the Europa League games it's the same balls, so I don't see a problem with that.

"For me it's a clear penalty if I see the images and in some countries it's a red card, if you go with two feet forward against the leg of somebody it's a red card.

"All the circumstances need to go your way if you're going to beat United and tonight we didn't get that."