Manchester United edged out Rangers 2-1 in an entertaining Europa League clash at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes’ late strike clinched victory in dramatic fashion under the lights at the Theater of Dreams after the visitors had equalized a few minutes earlier.
The match began with United enjoying the lion’s share of possession, but Rangers proved dangerous on the counter.
Alejandro Garnacho threatened early, weaving past defenders but had an effort comfortably saved by Jack Butland.
Rangers created promising opportunities despite limited time on the ball, with Ridvan Yilmaz forcing a clever stop from Altay Bayindir and Nicolas Raskin’s header denied by Garnacho at the other end.
United thought they had taken the lead in the 24th minute when Matthijs de Ligt nodded home from a corner, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul in the line-up.
Bruno’s late winner secures all three points! ➕3️⃣#Murnc || #Uel
– Manchester United (@Manutd) January 23, 2025
Both sides continued to trade chances, with Rangers’ Cyriel Dessergen sharp and Amad Diallo testing Butland, but the first half ended goalless.
The deadlock was broken under bizarre circumstances at the start of the second half.
In the 52nd minute Butland, who had otherwise been excellent, made a costly mistake, misdirecting an attempted shot from Christian Eriksen’s corner and sending the ball into his own net.
United seemed to take control after that and created several chances to extend their lead. Garnacho hit the post from close range and Harry Maguire missed a free header from another Eriksen set-piece.
However, Rangers refused to fold. Philippe Clement’s side switched to a more attacking setup and it paid off late on.
In the 88th minute, James Tavernier delivered a stunning long pass to Dessers, who controlled it superbly before firing Bayindir into the bottom corner, causing pandemonium among the traveling fans.
With the game seemingly headed for a draw, United’s captain stepped up in the dying moments.
After a Rangers attack collapsed, United stormed forward. Lisandro Martinez delivered a perfect cross from the left and Fernandes drove into the box to hammer a low shot past Butland in the 92nd minute.
It was Fernandes’ first goal in the Europa League this season and a fitting way to make his 50th appearance in the competition.
The win lifts Manchester United to fourth place in the Europa League table with hopes of qualification, while Rangers finished in 13th place.
