European champion through to showpiece after a rapid run while trio of British men also make 1500m progress

Laura Muir insisted she had taken plenty of confidence from the manner of her progress to Saturday’s 1500m final at the IAAF World Championships in Doha.

The European champion continued her comeback from injury with an extremely stern test for the calf which has been causing so much concern, her semi-final turning out to be the quickest ever in a world championships and coming down to a blanket finish after Ethiopian Guday Tsegay had made much of the running.

World 2017 silver medallist Jenny Simpson edged it in 4:00.99, with Muir’s Canadian training partner Gabriela Debues-Stafford clocking 4:01.04 and the Briton third in 4:01.05. Tsegay was fourth in 4:01.12.

In the considerably slower opening semi-final, Sifan Hassan came home first in 4:14.69 from Shelby Houlihan’s 4:14.91, Rababe Arafi’s 4:14.94 and a time of 4:14.98 from defending champion Faith Kipyegon.

Ireland have an athlete in the world women’s 1500m final for the first time since Sonia O’Sullivan in 1997 after Ciara Mageean ran 4:15.94 to qualify in fifth, edging out Britain’s Sarah McDonald, while Australia’s Jessica Hull’s 4:01.80 made a piece of unwanted history in the second semi-final as the fastest non-qualifying time ever.

Tsegay had led the field through the opening lap in 63.79 and had begun to open a gap on the second-placed Ugandan Winnie Nanyondo before Muir, who had been loitering at the back in the early stages, covered the move and the field had bunched back up at the 800m with the clock showing 2:10.31.

Tsegay was still marginally ahead as the bell was reached in 2:59.23 and with Stafford moving up in the outside and Simpson coming through on the inside rail, there was very little to choose between the athletes as they crossed the line.

“Oh my goodness everyone talks about the final but you have to actually get there first,” said Muir. “These girls are fast, a 4:01 there for a semi-final, I’m really happy to run that time.It was a bit like deja vu with the same three girls at the front from the heat.

“I’m so happy to be back and am confident with my body. It is a good confidence boost, we’ve got a couple of days now. It’s gives me a lot of confidence knowing I can run that sort of time feeling comfortable.”

She added: “It went really well and I felt really good. I knew I was going to stay out of the way for the first half of the race, and make sure I was in position for the second. I did that and I conserved as much energy as I could. I just wanted to get an automatic qualifying spot and I’m really happy.

“I’ve got 48 hours now before the final – that’s loads of time for me to recover. In terms of recovery in terms of the final I’m really positive.”

McDonald’s disappointment was clear after becoming a reluctant leader in her heat, passing 400m in 1:14.35, 800m in 2:28.25 and 1200m in 3:32.06 before being overhauled in the closing stages and just missing out.

“Most people who know me, know I’m not a natural leader in the race,” she said. “I promised to get on the rail, and I did that well, but no-one came in front of me, so I found myself in a position where I was leading.

“I’d spoken to my coach and I knew that I was going to make a move at some point and I kind of knew that had to be sooner rather than later in that kind of race. I just didn’t have the legs in the last 50m.”

Brits safely through high-quality heats

The men’s 1500m heats proved to be the most competitive and highest quality in world championships history, with the British trio of Jake Wightman, Josh Kerr and Neil Gourley all qualifying with fast finishes but also having to work all the way to progress.

A record number of 26 runners broke 3:38 with Spain’s Adel Mechaal gaining the unwelcome distinction of becoming the fastest ever non-qualifier with his 3:37.95.

In the first heat, just 0.15 of a second covered the leading seven, with world indoor champion Samuel Tefera missing out on a top six and automatic place in 3:37.82, though he did narrowly progress as a fastest loser.

Up ahead Jakob Ingebrigtsen (3:37.67), Alexis Miellet (3:37.69), Olympic champion Matt Centrowitz (3:37.69), Wightman (3:37.72) and Marcin Lewandowski (3:37.75) finished almost in a line.

“It was a bit rough, I was pushed around which was my fault for getting into some tight spots but as far as the race went I did enough to get through which is all that mattered today,” said Wightman.

.@JakeSWightman chats with @euancrumley after his 1500m heat #WorldAthleticsChamps @scotathletics pic.twitter.com/P5Es8xXOO0

— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) October 3, 2019

The second heat was faster and more spread out but only after a number of fallers disrupted the rhythm.

Favourite Timothy Cheruiyot (3:36.82) won from Kerr (3:36.99), Bob Blankenship (3:37.13) and Filip Ingebrigtsen (3:37.26), who twice had to negotiate fallen runners including Tedesse Lemi after he accidentally tripped him on the last lap when the Ethiopian moved across him.

“They’re pretty intense, especially when you’ve got three heats with fantastic runners in there and everyone’s saying ‘it’s top 6’, but you’ve got to make sure you’re running with your head up and understand the people around you are also pretty quick,” said Kerr.  “You’ve got to run to your own race plan and I was able to do that.”

Josh Kerr looks good as he qualifies smoothly through his 1500m heat. #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/xWPXyHwyWl

— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) October 3, 2019

The third heat was even faster and another close contest as former world indoor champion Ayenleh Souleiman (3:36.16) won from 2012 Olympic champion Taouflik Makhloufli (3:36.18), Kalle Berglund (3:36.19) and Gourley (3:36.31).

The latter ran a smart race and was always in a qualifying position.

“At this level sometimes you get tactical races and sometimes someone just wants to take it on,” said Gourley. “My race was one of those and I just had to be patient because there were a lot of little moves happening and you have just got to pick the right time.

“Fortunately I was able to find a little gap to do that. You have to plan for everything.”

Neil Gourley is glad to get going at last in Doha in the 1500m heats – and looks good qualifying. #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/LdGhRS5fvh

— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) October 3, 2019

German’s consistency pays off in a contest that sees world record-holder Kevin Mayer pull out

Niklas Kaul crossed the finish line of the final event of the decathlon, the 1500m, in first place and raised his arms in victory. It was 12:36am in Doha in the early hours of October 4, but the 21-year-old German was not dreaming. He had just won the world title.

Kaul scored 8691 in a battle of attrition that saw, among other things, the withdrawal of Kevin Mayer in the pole vault. The world record-holder from France was leading the decathlon at that stage – in the eighth event – but broke down in tears after being forced to pull out due to injury.

Kaul beat the best men who were left standing and they included Maicel Uibo, the Estonian scoring a PB of 8604 to take silver, plus Damian Warner, the Canadian scoring 8529 in third.

“In the beginning we all thought Kevin would take the gold and when he dropped out the race was on for the gold between Damian, Maicel and me,” said Kaul, who has won world and European under-20 titles in recent years plus the European under-23 crown earlier this summer.

“I never thought I’d be able to take the gold because there are so many good talented decathletes out there. I’m not the best decathlete but maybe I’m the best consistent and that’s important when you have these long days,” he added.

Kaul’s marks included 100m in 11.27, long jump of 7.19m, shot put of 15.10m, high jump of 2.02m, 400m in 48.48, sprint hurdles in 14.64, discus in 49.20m, pole vault in 5.00m, a world record in a decathlon javelin of 79.05m and 1500m in 4:15.70. “In the javelin I thought it could go far but never this distance,” said Kaul, who was able to throw so far because he has recently recovered from a long-term elbow injury.

Runner-up Uibo is following in the giant footsteps of Olympic champion Erki Nool from his own country and put in a gallant effort in Doha after struggling with a shoulder injury this year and heel surgery last year. He also had the distraction of his wife, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, competing in the 400m final at the same time his own 10 events were reaching their conclusion. “I only watched it by refreshing a results page while I was on a massage table,” he said.

Warner, winner in Gotzis this year and winner of two minor medals at the world championships, looked disgruntled with his two days – and another minor medal. “I set high standards for myself,” the Canadian said.

Heptathlete breaks British record on her way to a stunning world title win in Doha

For the second night running, Great Britain were given a golden moment to celebrate at the IAAF World Championships in Doha. For the second night running, that moment was brought about by the record-breaking exploits of a remarkable young woman.

Barely 24 hours after Dina Asher-Smith had scorched her way around the Khalifa Stadium track to 200m victory, the multi-skilled Katarina Johnson-Thompson produced the finest heptathlon performance of her career to score a British record of 6981 points which put her sixth on the all-time lists and vanquished the defending champion Nafissatou Thiam.

For a long time now, the 26-year-old has lived with the pressure of being the successor to Jessica Ennis-Hill. There have been recent highs such as Commonwealth, world indoor and European indoor titles, but there have also been crushing – and high-profile – disappointments.

It is to her great credit that those have been learned from and overcome. Now, after breaking the three-time world and 2012 Olympic champion’s national mark, it’s official – Britain has a new heptathlon hero.

The tone was set on day one when big personal bests in the 100m hurdles and shot put had put Johnson-Thompson in control as the competition resumed with the long jump only minutes after the British national anthem had finished playing for Asher-Smith’s medal ceremony.

Perhaps she was watching her team-mate ascend to the top step of the podium in the corner of the stadium closely, or perhaps the scene provided inspiration of a more subliminal kind, but Johnson-Thompson’s competitive instincts kicked in quickly as she set about trying to grow the 96-point advantage over the Belgian Olympic and European champion with which she had begun day two.

Thiam started her chase with a modest jump of 6.25m, starting her leap from a long way behind the board, while the leader opened up at 6.32m – an effort with which she looked rather non-plussed. The expression would change after the following round, however.

Thiam could only manage a second-round 6.35m before she found herself being put under real pressure by her rival. Johnson-Thompson’s reply saw her soar out to 6.77m, the furthest she has ever leapt in a heptathlon.

Thiam mustered 6.40m in response (again, she landed a long way behind the take-off board) and, though she fouled her final jump, Johnson-Thompson had already inflicted substantial damage, her lead widening to 226 points on a total of 5233, with Thiam on 5017 and American Kendell Williams third with 4792.

The job was not done yet, however, particularly given the fact that the next event, the javelin, is traditionally one in which the Belgian holds a sizeable advantage thanks to her personal best of 59.32m.

It remained to be seen how much she might be affected by a persistent elbow injury, though, and also whether or not Johnson-Thompson could rise to the challenge once again.

The world and European indoor pentathlon champion opened with an encouraging 42.21m, while a frustrated Thiam deliberately fouled her first effort after it landed around the same distance.

With her opponent looking uncomfortable, Johnson-Thompson again chose the perfect moment to strike as she sent her second-round effort out to 43.93m which represented a personal best of 1.01m.

Thiam went further second time around, reaching 48.04m, but that was where her javelin competition ended after she opted not to take a third throw and was seen icing her injured joint in the immediate aftermath. Johnson-Thompson threw 40.55m to complete her series as the gold medal was all but placed in her grasp.

Thoughts began to turn towards not if she might win the title, but rather by how much. With six events gone, and only the 800m – in which she has a best time eight seconds quicker than the Belgian – remaining, the chance of a record-breaking victory presented itself.

The Commonwealth champion sat 137 points ahead on 5976, with Thiam on 5839 and Swiss Verena Preiner 5579. Ennis-Hill’s mark of 6955 set on Super Saturday was under threat.

Johnson-Thompson needed to run 2:09 to beat that, and a personal best of 2:06 (her best mark sat at 2:07.64) to reach the fabled 7000-points mark. She clocked 2:07.26.

Hitting the front not long before she took the bell in 1:03.14, every sinew was strained in the pursuit of history and a closing 200m of 31.38 gave her the personal best, the points tally and the title she so craved.

“These whole two days have been so fast and because it has been at night, it’s actually felt like a dream,” she said. “Doing it under the lights and everything was unbelievable. I can’t believe this is the result. I have had so many attempts at this result so to perform on this stage makes me so happy.”

HOW KATARINA JOHNSON-THOMPSON WON
100m hurdles – 13.09 PB, 1111 points
High jump – 1.95m, 1171 points
Shot put – 13.86m PB, 785 points
200m – 23.08, 1071 points
Long jump – 6.77m, 1095 points
Javelin – 43.93m PB, 743 points
800m – 2:07.26 PB, 1005 points
TOTAL – 6981 NR

GLENDORA, Calif. – One of the most popular and longest-running events at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the NHRA Breakfast is often referred to as a can’t miss event and this year will be no exception.

To kick off the 50th anniversary of Pro Stock, the 2019 NHRA Breakfast will bring the superstars of this highly competitive category together to discuss Fifty Years Of Pro Stock.

The NHRA Breakfast will feature drag racing legends and current fan favorites including Herb McCandless, Warren Johnson, Greg Anderson, Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr. For the second year, FOX broadcast announcer Brian Lohnes will serve as the panel moderator, asking probing questions to provide attendees with a revealing glimpse into a category that bases some of its appeal on secrecy. Attendees will hear some of the best kept stories that helped to drive the Pro Stock category throughout the years.

“The NHRA Breakfast at SEMA is always a must-attend event,” said Lohnes. “But now that we’re going to peel the curtain back on the most secretive class in NHRA history, you’d have to be a real schmuck to miss it.”

The NHRA Breakfast at the SEMA Show will be held Wednesday, November 6 from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at the Westgate Las Vegas Casino Paradise Events Center. The annual NHRA Breakfast is part of the 2019 SEMA Show, the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world which draws the industry’s brightest minds and products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nov. 5-8, 2019.

Following the breakfast on Wednesday, NHRA will host an autograph session featuring all five drivers on the panel at the NHRA Booth (#10000) from 10–11 a.m.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As the Porsche GT Team seeks to nail down no less than four championships in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season finale on Oct. 12, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta appears to provide the perfect setting.

The iconic circuit in Braselton, Ga., where the Motul Petit Le Mans takes place, is a suburb of Atlanta, the home to Porsche Cars North America. Further, the two Porsche entries vying for the four titles in the GT Le Mans class will be carrying a special throwback livery featuring Atlanta-based Coca-Cola on the cars. And in a bittersweet twist, it will be the final race for the current version of those Porsche 911 RSRs before an updated model debuts next season in WeatherTech Championship competition.

Co-drivers Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor in the No. 912 Porsche hold a 12-point lead over teammates Patrick Pilet and Nick Tandy in the No. 911 Porsche. The German marque also has a 19-point edge over Ford in the manufacturer chase. All the Porsches need do is leave the starting grid for the 10-hour race to secure the GTLM driver, team and manufacturer championships.

In addition, Pilet and Tandy boast a six-point edge over Bamber and Vanthoor and No. 67 Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT drivers Richard Westbrook and Ryan Briscoe in Michelin Endurance Cup competition, which awards points at designated junctures in each of the four endurance events. So there’s more than a reasonable chance that the Porsche 911 RSRs that emerged on the IMSA scene in 2017 could exit with a grand slam of titles in 2019.

“After Petit Le Mans, the car will retire, so it’s also some emotion since it will be the last race of the RSR 2017,” says Pascal Zurlinden, Porsche director of factory motorsport. “We will move on to the new RSR 2019 for Daytona (in January). So there is some emotion and at the same time, a really successful car.”

The No. 911 finished sixth in the GTLM standings in 2017 and the No. 912 was fifth a year later. But the momentum for this year’s dominating performance by the two cars – which includes three wins for each entry and a total of three races where both Porsches finished on the podium – was cast in last year’s season finale won by Pilet, Tandy and their endurance racing teammate, Frederic Makowiecki, in the No. 911 Porsche.

“At Petit Le Mans last year, it was like a switch (went on),” Zurlinden says. “We won the race and since that time I think the team is doing a perfect job. We never have the best car on track, the quickest one, but all because of the strategies, splitting the championship between cars, at the end it’s almost perfect but close to (it). That’s what makes all these wins and all the podiums achievable.”

The current Porsche 911 RSR was a departure from previous generations with its mid-engine design. Zurlinden admits there were teething issues at the outset – both in WeatherTech Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) competition.

“Looking back to the last three years, I think the first year was a bit difficult year,” Zurlinden says. “Not everything was directly in place and we didn’t understand as well the car and the tires. But looking at the last two years, in IMSA and outside in WEC, I think was really successful. This year, the confirmation was the second win in Sebring (the No. 911 with Pilet, Tandy and Makowiecki at the wheel). It was a confirmation that we can do it with this car.”

Indeed, that triumph in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Advance Auto Parts in March ignited a five-race win streak for the Porsches to vault them atop the GTLM standings. Makowiecki returns as the third driver in the No. 911 at Michelin Raceway, with Mathieu Jaminet teaming with Bamber and Vanthoor in the No. 912.

Zurlinden says anticipation is high, particularly since the popular Coca-Cola liveries are the latest that Porsche will run this season to help commemorate IMSA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Combining that with it being the last race for the current Porsche RSR and final event for Scott Atherton as IMSA president, Zurlinden hints there may be tears of joy – and some sadness – when the checkered flag waves.

“At the end, there will be some emotion because it will be the last race of the year for IMSA, the last race for Scott in his active position, the last race for our RSR Porsches, so a lot of emotion,” Zurlinden says. “Whatever the (outcome of the) races will be, a lot of emotion.”

Porsche has already collected one IMSA crown before on-track action gets started next week at Michelin Raceway. Talented rookie Zacharie Robichon wrapped up the WeatherTech Sprint Cup championship in GT Daytona on Sept. 15 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Sprint Cup, which debuted this season, is exclusive to the GTD class and consisted of seven non-endurance events on the calendar in 2019.

By finishing fourth at WeatherTech Raceway in the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R, Robichon took the title.

“This was a really important milestone for Porsche motorsports and also for Pfaff,” Zurlinden says. “Not only for Pfaff it was the first season in IMSA, it was also for Porsche Motorsport the first season for our new GT3 Gen-2. Winning one championship in the big fight with all the manufacturers in GTD in the first year of the car and first year of the team, with a rookie, it’s the perfect situation for us.”

CALGARY, Alberta -- The Calgary Flames announced a multiyear contract extension for general manager Brad Treliving on Thursday, hours before their season opener against Colorado.

He is entering his sixth season in the job. While with the team, Calgary has made the playoffs three times and had a record of 212-163-35. The team's longest playoff run under Treliving was reaching the second round in 2015.

The Flames had their second-highest point total last season with 107 points to top the Western Conference. But Calgary quickly exited the playoffs, falling in five games to Colorado.

Flames President and CEO John Bean says Treliving has done an "excellent job putting a team together on and off the ice." He adds in a statement that "continuity is important in this role" and Treliving has "earned the trust and respect of our ownership group and our fans."

LAS VEGAS – Making his first PGA Tour start in nearly two years, Graham DeLaet admitted he was uncomfortable.

The Canadian has gotten used to playing money games at home with his friends, riding around in carts and having a beer or two.

During a front-nine 40, one that included a triple bogey just three holes into his return, he was gripping his putter too tightly and trying to guide his ball around TPC Summerlin.

And yet, DeLaet realized he was enjoying himself.

“I was 5 over through four [holes] … but it didn’t even matter,” he said after a Thursday 76 at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. “I was out there having fun. I’m back on the PGA Tour again.”

DeLaet has missed the last two years following a second microdiscectomy on his back. He was last seen in a Tour field at the CJ Cup in October 2017, when he withdrew following a second-round 80. Stem-cell treatments didn’t give him relief and surgery followed.

After two seasons away, DeLaet was asked earlier this week just how he knew he was ready to come back.

“In all honesty, man, I didn’t and I don’t,” he told the Toronto Sun. “But at some point I just have to kind of give it a try.”

His first try saw him play his first 11 holes in 7 over, but more comfortable, aggressive swings late in the round yielded three consecutive birdies and a back-nine 35.

“It’s a lot more fun making birdies than triples, that’s for sure,” he joked.

As for his back: “It doesn’t really hurt to swing the golf club. It’s more about being on my feet and the pain and the achy-ness and the tightness that comes with it,” he explained. “The actual golf swing doesn’t bother me that much.”

Playing on a major medical extension, DeLaet will have 24 events to earn 266 FedExCup points. That’s more or less a full season’s worth of starts to finish the equivalent of 156^th on last year’s points list. It’s a plenty attainable ask for a player who finished 76^th during his last full season and has been a Tour regular since 2010.

The plan moving forward is to play next week in Houston and then in back-to-back starts in Bermuda and Mayakoba as he eases his way back into Tour life.

“That’s all my body will let me,” he said. “I’m more optimistic now after today’s round. It was such an unknown the last couple weeks, so I’m optimistic that I’ll get three or four events in this fall. Even if I don’t get a massive amount of FedExCup points, at least I’ll get back in the rhythm and the flow – just showing up on Monday and practicing and the routine.

“I don’t even have a routine right now,” he added with a laugh. “I don’t even know what I’m doing out here.”

DEN HAAG, Netherlands -- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described himself as "very pleased" despite watching Manchester United stretch their winless run away from home to 10 games against AZ Alkmaar.

United were held to a 0-0 draw in their Europa League clash leaving Solskjaer still waiting for a first away win as permanent manager.

- Dawson: As away woes mount, pressure rises on Solskjaer
- Man Utd ratings: Dalot biggest threat among toothless squad
- Europa League group stage: All you need to know

"It's a good point away from home against a difficult opponent on a difficult surface," said Solskjaer. "We made many changes and I'm very pleased. It should have been a win. I'm fed up of talking about penalties we should have had."

Solskjaer felt his team should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal on Monday and his gripe against Alkmaar centred on Stijn Wuytens' challenge on substitute Marcus Rashford 10 minutes from time.

"The linesman can look straight at the tackle, he wipes his foot and unfortunately for us we didn't get it," said Solskjaer.

"There is no point me complaining but there will come a point where these decisions will turn our way. Today was down to the decision of the ref. We could be sat here smiling."

United failed to register a shot on target against Alkmaar and have now managed just seven goals in their last nine games.

"You create chances and score goals, it's no point me saying they know themselves," said Solskjaer. "I'm pleased with the boys, the debut of Brandon [Williams]. You can't see any nerves, so brave. It's a big, big plus."

Solksjaer added that Jesse Lingard's injury isn't as serious as it looked but could miss Sunday's match against Newcastle United. Lingard limped off in the waning minutes, forcing United to finish play with 10 men.

"He tweaked his hamstring, so he didn't feel like he could risk it. But hopefully it's not too bad," Solskjaer said. "Probably not Newcastle, but [he should] be ready for Liverpool [in the Premier League on October 20]."

DEN HAAG, Netherlands -- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said before Manchester United's Europa League tie with AZ Alkmaar that he hoped to be asked "different" questions after the game, but instead they are mounting.

Why can't his team win away from home? Why do they not score goals? Are they good enough to ease the pressure and win at Newcastle on Sunday? Answers on a postcard.

In hindsight, the 0-0 draw against AZ and another uninspiring, insipid performance should have been entirely predictable.

United have not won away from home in any competition since March and have scored just seven goals in their past nine games. Why should it be a surprise, then, that they did not win here in the Netherlands and could not score? They did not even manage a shot on target.

Louis van Gaal, watching from the stands, played as big a part in the game as Alkmaar goalkeeper Marco Bizot.

Solskjaer, though, had a different view.

"It's a good point away from home against difficult opponents on a difficult surface," said the United manager afterward. "They beat Feyenoord 3-0 away from home, we made many changes and I'm very pleased. It should have been a win. I'm fed up of talking about penalties we should have had."

- Player ratings: Dalot Man United's biggest threat at AZ
- What if Man United kept Moyes for his six-year contract?
- Europa League group stage: All you need to know

He is right that Stijn Wuytens can count himself fortunate he was not penalised for clipping substitute Marcus Rashford 10 minutes from time, but there is no getting away from the fact that United did not create enough chances.

With Rashford on the bench, Solskjaer's search for goals led him to pick winger Daniel James at centre-forward with centre-forward Mason Greenwood on the right wing. It was an experiment that lasted just 20 minutes before the pair switched and created United's first chance.

James' cross from the byline found Greenwood, whose shot was blocked by former Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar. Aside from Angel Gomes getting in a tangle at the back post from Diogo Dalot's cross, that was as close as United got during a forgettable first 45 minutes.

Only the linesman's flag ruling out Myron Boadu's header prevented Solskjaer from having to deliver an even more awkward team talk.

While United's players looked short of the confidence required to deal with the hard, uncomfortable plastic pitch at ADO Den Haag Stadium, Alkmaar's 23-year-old Moroccan winger Oussama Idrissi showed what was possible with a bit of self-belief. He tormented Dalot and Fred in the first half, and would have scored but for a good low save from David De Gea to turn a drilled shot from 20 yards around the post. Idrissi's skill and invention only served to highlight that United's players were struggling to muster much of either.

Instead there was fear and frustration. Juan Mata let out a scream at another misplaced pass. De Gea flapped his arms after lofting the ball over the head of 19-year-old Brandon Williams, making his full debut, and out for a throw in.

The second half was more of the same.

De Gea made saves from Owen Wijndal and Idrissi. Williams and Fred survived penalty appeals. Fred passed a simple ball into the advertising boards. Rashford, on as a second-half substitute, blasted a free kick into the stands before his strong penalty claim was turned down. The wait for a shot on target went on. And on. And on.

The 950 travelling fans amused themselves with songs about players they have seen score goals. First it was Ruud van Nistelrooy and then Eric Cantona. What Solskjaer would give for either in his team at St James' Park.

The focus now turns to Newcastle.

This result should not stop United from reaching the knockout rounds of the Europa League, and it will be forgotten quickly if Steve Bruce's side are brushed aside. Newcastle are 19th in the table after just one win all season and head into the game on the back of a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Leicester.

It is either the perfect game for United to find some kind of form or a disaster waiting to happen. Another miserable afternoon on Tyneside this weekend would darken the mood around Old Trafford significantly.

If United are to beat Newcastle, it is likely they will have to do it without Jesse Lingard. Dropped from the England squad in the afternoon, his day got even worse when he was forced off with a hamstring injury in the final stages.

Anthony Martial is still recovering from a thigh injury. Rashford, without a goal from open play since the opening day of the season, will lead the line.

"Today was down to the decision of the ref, we could be sat here smiling," said Solskjaer.

It's been a long time since Solskjaer has smiled after an away fixture -- not since Paris 10 games ago, in March. That will need to change at Newcastle or there will be more awkward questions to answer.