Manchester United threw Rangers 2-1 on a fun Europa League conflict in Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes’ late strike won the victory dramatically under the lights in the dream theater, after visitors had equated a few minutes earlier.
The race started with United enjoying the share of the possession of the lion, but Rangers proved to be dangerous on the bench.
Alejandro Garnacho threatened early, weaves the defenders of the past, but having an effort that is comfortably preserved by Jack Butland.
Rangers, despite the limited time on the ball, has promised opportunities, with Ridvan Yilmaz forcing a smart attitude from Altay Bayindir and Nicolas Raskin’s header denouncing Garnacho at the other end.
United believed they had taken the lead in the 24th minute when Matthijs de Ligt nodded from a corner, but the target was banned due to a foul on accumulation.
Bruno’s last winner secures all three points! âž•3#Murnc || #Uel
– Manchester United (@manutd) January 23, 2025
Both sides continued to market chances, with Rangers cyriel dessers looking sharp and Amad Diallo testing Butland, but the first half is over.
The impasse broke early in the second half under strange conditions.
In the 52nd minute, Butland, who was otherwise excellent, made a expensive error, made an attempt to punch the corner of Christian Eriksen and sent the ball into his own net.
United seemed to take control after that, creating a lot of chance of expanding the lead. Garnacho hit the position up close and Harry Maguire lost a free header than another piece of Eriksen.
Rangers, however, refused to fold. The Philippe Clement side turned into a more aggressive arrangement, and paid dividends late.
In the 88th minute, James Tavernier gave a stunning long pass to the Dessers, who said it extremely before shooting Bayindir in the lower corner, triggering Pandemonium among travelers.
With the game seemingly directed for a tie, the United Captain was reinforced in the moments of dying.
After a rangers attack, United went forward. Lisandro Martinez gave a perfect cross from the left and Fernandes ran into the box to pound a low shot beyond Butland in the 92nd minute.
It was Fernandes’ first goal in the Europa League in Fernandes and a suitable way to mark its 50th appearance in the competition.
The victory lift Manchester United to the fourth at the Europa League table, keeping their hopes of qualifications alive, while the Rangers sit on the 13th, left to overcome the lost chances and a moment of brilliance by the UNITED Governor.
