Manchester United beat Rangers 2-1 in an entertaining Europa League clash at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes’ late goal secured victory in spectacular fashion under the lights of the Théâtre des Rêves, after the visitors had equalized just minutes earlier.
The match started with United enjoying the lion’s share of possession, but Rangers proved dangerous on the counter-attack.
Alejandro Garnacho threatened early on, outrunning 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 home a corner, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
Bruno’s late winner gets all three points! ➕3️⃣#MUFC || #UEL
–Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 23, 2025
Both teams continued to trade chances, with Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers looking lively and Amad Diallo testing Butland, but the first half ended goalless.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half in strange circumstances.
In the 52nd minute, Butland, who had been otherwise excellent, made a costly error when he misjudged an attempted punch from Christian Eriksen’s corner and sent the ball into his own goal.
United seemed 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 free-kick.
The Rangers, however, refused to fold. Philippe Clément’s team switched to a more offensive configuration, and it paid off late.
In the 88th minute, James Tavernier delivered a stunning long pass to Dessers, who controlled it brilliantly before firing past Bayindir into the bottom corner, sparking pandemonium among the traveling supporters.
With the match looking like it was heading for a draw, the United captain intervened in the final moments.
After a Rangers attack failed, United pounced. Lisandro Martinez delivered a perfect cross from the left and Fernandes raced into the box to fire a low shot past Butland in the 92nd minute.
It was Fernandes’ first Europa League goal this season and a fitting way to mark his 50th appearance in the competition.
The victory moves Manchester United into fourth place in the Europa League table, keeping their qualification hopes alive, while Rangers sit in 13th, left to rue missed opportunities and a moment of brilliance from the United skipper.
