FC Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken paid tribute to his players after their Europa League defeat to Manchester United.

United scraped into the semifinals via a questionable penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes.

"Of course I get annoyed when we were so close, but I cannot ask for more from the players. Every man has given himself completely, both physically and mentally, and we managed to live with them right up to the very last," said Solbakken.

"The first half hour we were very good, but then we slid a bit in it towards the break, but came strong again in the second half. They had some chances, but not many big ones, and we may have had the biggest as (Bryan) Oviedo was completely free, but then they also hit the post later."

The Norwegian added: "Everyone really made a persistent effort and we had some of the best players on the field tonight. Stage and Zeca controlled very well, the back four stood up well. Jonas was good again, and Falk was perhaps the very best on the field."