Manchester United edged Rangers 2-1 in an entertaining Europa League clash at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes’ late strike clinched victory in dramatic fashion under the lights of the Theater of Dreams, after the visitors had equalized just minutes earlier.
The match started with United with the lion’s share of possession, but Rangers proved dangerous on the counter.
Alejandro Garnacho threatened early, weaving past defenders, but having an effort comfortably saved by Jack Butland.
Rangers, despite limited time on the ball, created some promising opportunities, with Ridvan Yilmaz forcing a smart save from Altay Bayindir and Nicolas Raskin’s header denying Garnacho at the other end.
United thought they had taken the lead in the 24th minute when Matthijs de Ligt nodded in a corner, but the goal was disallowed due to a build-up fault.
Bruno’s winner guarantees all three points! ➕3️⃣#Mufc || #Uel
– Manchester United (@manutd) January 23, 2025
Both sides continued to trade chances, with Rangers’ Cyriel Dessert looking sharp and Amad Diallo testing Butland, but the first half was over.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half in bizarre circumstances.
In the 52nd minute, Butland, who had otherwise been excellent, made a costly mistake, mishandling an attempted punch from Christian Eriksen’s corner and sending the ball into his own net.
United appeared to take control after that, creating several chances to extend their lead. Garnacho hit the post from close range, and Harry Maguire missed a free header from another Eriksen set.
The Rangers, however, refused to bend. Philippe Clement’s team switched to a more attacking configuration, and it paid dividends late.
In the 88th minute, James Tavernier delivered a stunning long pass to the desseurs, who controlled it brilliantly before firing past Bayindir into the bottom corner, sparking pandemonium among the traveling fans.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, the United captain stepped up in the dying moments.
After a Rangers attack broke down, United surged forward. Lisandro Martinez delivered a perfect cross from the left, and Fernandes came into the box to hammer a low shot past the ground in the 92nd minute.
It was Fernandes’ first Europa League goal of this season and a fitting way to mark his 50th competitive appearance.
Victory lifts Manchester United to fourth in the Europa League table, keeping their qualification hopes alive, while Rangers find themselves in 13th, left to miss Rue and a moment of brilliance from the United skipper.
