The early stages of the contest saw an open game, with United controlling the tempo and Ajax always looking for a quick counter-attack. The Urban Warriors grew in stature and confidence as the half progressed, and based on the chances they created, should have gone into the break in front.
But they lacked composure up-front – Khama Billiat was the biggest culprit. For all his speed and skill, his final touch was lacking as he miscued a 20th-minute shot and then failed to pick out team-mate Paul Rusike when two-on-one against Rio Ferdinand.
Terror Fanteni also had a few shots blocked as Ajax showed plenty of promise on attack but failed to make the most of what came their way.
The English side came closest to scoring in the 35th minute when Antonio Valencia crossed for Javier Hernandez, but Sander Westerveld did superbly to claw the ball away.
The Red Devils notched things up a few gears after the break, with Hernandez twice denied in a purposeful opening few minutes.
And on the hour-mark Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were within a whisker of scoring as Shingi Kagawa hit the post with a header from Hernandez’s cross.
Both teams then made a handful of substitutions, after which Ajax came back into the game.
The deadlock was nearly broken with 15 minutes to go, but Fanteni’s near post save was kept out by Amos.
But with five minutes to go Ajax were to score, Alcardo van Graan, the former Milano player netting with a flicked effort from an 86th minute corner.
But the lead only lasted five minutes as Bebe scored from close range in injury time after some good work by Nick Powell.
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