Manchester United players celebrate their victory over Rangers in the Europa League. [AFP] Bruno Fernandes’ late winner gave Manchester United a 2-1 victory over Rangers on Thursday in the Battle of Britain and secured a direct place in the last-16 of the Europa League, with Cyriel Desser injured in the 88th minute. When Rangers equalized, it looked like the Red Devils were in for another disappointment at Old Trafford.
However, Fernandes scored in injury time to restore United’s honor and avoid a playoff spot. United are now in fourth place with one game left to play in the championship.
The top eight teams will qualify for the playoffs. However, manager Philippe Clement was forced to introduce two teenagers from the bench in the second half amid a string of injuries.
Manager Ruben Amorim described United’s current squad as the worst in the club’s history after the 3-1 defeat to Brighton at the weekend. It was United’s fourth defeat in five home games and they were nervous in front of an expectant crowd.
Rangers had to regret failing to capitalize on their first chance of the game when Altay Bayindil blocked Nico Raskin’s shot and Ridvan Yilmaz scored from the rebound. Alejandro Garnacho could move to United near the end of the transfer window as United try to solve their problems with profit and sustainability rules.
Napoli and Chelsea have shown interest in Argentine Garnacho. Garnacho’s goal bounced off Ruskin and United scored from a corner kick.
Mathijs de Lift’s header was controversially canceled for a foul on Robin Propper, but VAR did not intervene. Amado Diallo has shone under difficult circumstances in Amorim’s short tenure as head coach.
Despite Jack Butland preventing a free-kick after a clever combination with Bruno Fernandes, Diallo remained largely serviceable. John Souttar, Nerishio Casanvillo, Yannis Hagi, Danilo and Oscar Cortes were already absent, while Rangers had to contend with three more injuries, with Leon Balogun and Conor Barron not on the pitch in the second half.
Clement was forced to bring in two 18-year-olds with little first-team experience, Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis. However, in the end United only lost thanks to a gross error by one of their most experienced players.
Butland did not play for United during his time with the Red Devils in 2023. Former England player Butland made a nightmare return to form when he crossed Diallo’s ball into his own net to score a goal.
United were unable to take advantage and Garnacho hit the post from close range. And then Harry Maguire was caught off guard by a long ball that Desaillet poked into the goal.
Fernandez saved United for not the first time this season when Lisandro Martinez’s shot came past Butland’s groin. Rangers have at least reached the playoff round, and a win over Union St.
Gillows at Ibrox in the next round could allow them to secure a place in the top eight. United will play against Romanian club FCSB.
