In a dramatic Europa League encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United secured a 2-1 win against Rangers, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from captain Bruno Fernandes. The victory propels United closer to the Round of 16, reinforcing their position in the group standings.
The match began with both teams displaying cautious play, resulting in a goalless first half. United thought they had taken the lead when Matthijs de Ligt headed in from a corner, but the goal was disallowed after VAR review due to a foul in the buildup.
The deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute under unusual circumstances. Christian Eriksen delivered a corner that former United goalkeeper Jack Butland attempted to punch clear, only to misjudge and inadvertently direct the ball into his own net, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
As the match seemed destined for a draw, United launched a final offensive. Lisandro Martínez delivered a long cross from the left flank, which Fernandes met with a well-timed run, striking a powerful shot into the net during the second minute of stoppage time. This dramatic goal secured the victory for Manchester United.
The win elevates Manchester United to fourth place in their Europa League group with 15 points, bolstering their chances of direct qualification to the Round of 16. Rangers, despite a valiant effort, remain in a challenging position as the group stage nears its conclusion.
Reflecting on the match, United manager Ruben Amorim expressed satisfaction with the team's resilience and highlighted the importance of such victories in building momentum. Rangers' manager Philippe Clement acknowledged the disappointment of conceding late but praised his team's determination and performance against a formidable opponent.
Manchester United will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures as they aim to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.