Manchester United vs Rangers Report
Scorers: Butland (OG) 52’, Fernandes 90+2’; Dessers 88’
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes delivered a last-gasp winner to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rangers at Old Trafford in the UEFA Europa League (UEL).
The result strengthened United’s position in the top eight of the league phase and moved them closer to automatic qualification.
First Half: Chances Go Begging
United looked shaky in the opening exchanges as Rangers capitalised on early nerves, with European debutant Toby Collyer nearly punished for being caught in possession.
Nicolas Raskin was unable to control Hamza Igamane’s through ball, allowing Altay Bayındır to clear the danger. Moments later, James Tavernier’s cross found Rıdvan Yılmaz, whose cushioned volley was comfortably dealt with by Bayındır.
The Red Devils began to find their rhythm midway through the half. Alejandro Garnacho’s fierce strike was headed over by Raskin, and United thought they had taken the lead from the resulting corner when Matthijs De Ligt headed home, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul by Leny Yoro.
United continued to press, with Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martínez both denied by Jack Butland, who kept Rangers level at the break.
Second Half: United Break Through
United resumed their dominance after HT, with Garnacho setting up Fernandes for a shot that was turned over the bar by Robin Pröpper.
The breakthrough came moments later in bizarre fashion. Christian Eriksen’s corner caused chaos in the box, and Butland, attempting to punch clear, inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.
Rangers were forced to make multiple substitutions, including the withdrawal of key player Václav Černý, which further tilted momentum in United’s favour.
The hosts had opportunities to extend their lead, including a goal-line clearance by Pröpper and a glaring miss from Harry Maguire, who failed to convert a close-range header.
Late Drama: Dessers Strikes, Fernandes Saves
Rangers, however, remained dangerous on the counter. Cyriel Dessers saw his chip rebound off the post but made no mistake in the 88th minute, capitalising on a defensive error from Maguire to control Tavernier’s long ball and fire past Bayındır.
With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Fernandes stepped up in the 92nd minute to restore United’s lead. Martínez’s cross found the captain in space, and he volleyed home expertly to mark his 50th UEL appearance with a decisive goal.
What’s Next?
- Manchester United: The Red Devils are on the brink of securing automatic qualification for the knockout rounds. A strong finish in their final league phase match against FCSB could secure a top-eight spot and reduce the pressure of a play-off tie.
- Rangers: With qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Rangers must win their final game and rely on other results to progress.
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Man Utd vs Rangers | UEFA Europa League 2024/25