Bruno Fernandes's injury-time goal was enough to clinch all three points on a night of late drama at Old Trafford, where Manchester United beat Rangers 2-1 in the Europa League.
Substitute Cyriel Dessers's sensational strike two minutes from time looked like it was going to salvage a dramatic late point for Rangers, before Fernandes met Lisandro Martinez's cross on the volley two minutes into stoppage time.
Jack Butland's comical own goal had put Ruben Amorim's side ahead early in the second half, but Rangers carried a threat all night, and on 88 minutes, Dessers was the man to fire home a wonderful leveller, sending the 3,700 away fans into delirium.
It was the hosts who had the last laugh though, with the Man United captain sending them fourth in the 36-team standings, digging his manager out of another potential hole on an otherwise underwhelming night.
For Philippe Clement's side, they will be devastated at losing out in such circumstances, and it also greatly reduces their chances of finishing in the top eight, as they have fallen to 13th tonight.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Like has so often been the case under Amorim, it was not pretty by any means by Man United, but they have ultimately got an important three points which leaves them in the driving seat for a top-eight finish.
However, against stronger opposition, you feel the Red Devils could have struggled again, given the openings Rangers had, and failed to take for most of the evening, and a similar performance on Sunday against Fulham may lead to another difficult evening.
It is hard to believe, but Man United are still unbeaten in Europe this season, and that is why they remain one of the red-hot favourites to win the Europa League outright, but cutting out defensive errors, and leaving less gaping holes in midfield will be required to go far in this competition.
Since his sending off on Boxing Day against Wolves, Fernandes has been crucial for Amorim, scoring three goals and registering an assist in his last five matches, and few will be celebrated as much than this one.
MAN UNITED VS. RANGERS HIGHLIGHTS
Butland own goal vs. Rangers (53rd min, Man United 1-0 Rangers)
Jack Butland won't be watching this one back 🫣
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The former Man United goalkeeper punches the ball into his own net 😬
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Oh dear Jack Butland... It is a horror moment for Rangers' English goalkeeper, as he inadvertently punches Christian Eriksen's corner into the back of his own net under very little pressure from anybody in a red shirt.
Dessers goal vs. Man United (88th min, Man United 1-1 Rangers)
RANGERS ARE LEVEL!
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Cyriel Dessers with a stunning touch and finish to capitalise on poor judgement from Harry Maguire 🎯
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They have been knocking on the door and now Rangers are level at Old Trafford! A lofted ball in behind by James Tavernier is controlled exquisitely by Dessers, who shrugs Harry Maguire aside, and leaves Altay Bayindir with no chance with a thunderous finish.
Fernandes goal vs. Rangers (92nd min, Man United 2-1 Rangers)
CLINICAL BRUNO FERNANDES 😳
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Lisandro Martinez with a pinpoint cross to find the Man United skipper!
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A captain's goal by Fernandes, and how crucial will that be for Amorim! Martinez's cross from the left leaves Jefte caught in no-mans land, and the skipper evades the full-back before firing through the legs of Butland to win all three points for the hosts.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ALTAY BAYINDIR
© Imago
That makes it two starts and two man of the match awards for Man United's backup Turkish keeper, and even though tonight was not as dramatic for Bayindir as the FA Cup win over Arsenal was, he still played a big part in the win.
After another abysmal error from Andre Onana at the weekend, Bayindir was a safe pair of hands here, and when called into action from corners and speculative efforts from the visitors, he was equal to them, as well showing speed to get in Nicolas Raskin's face early on to deny the Rangers man from scoring the opener.
MAN UNITED VS. RANGERS MATCH STATS
Possession: Man United 67%-33% Rangers
Shots: Man United 16-11 Rangers
Shots on target: Man United 6-7 Rangers
Corners: Man United 7-5 Rangers
Fouls: Man United 10-14 Rangers
BEST STATS
Bruno Fernandes now has 20 goal involvements for Man United in all competitions this season.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 23, 2025
His latest was a 92nd minute winner 🤩 pic.twitter.com/T0EOBuyQpE
WHAT NEXT?
Manchester United return to league action with a trip to Fulham on Sunday night, before flying out to Romania to face FCSB on matchday eight next week, where a point should be enough to seal a place in the last 16.
Rangers head to Tannadice to face Dundee United at Sunday lunchtime, and they will finish their league phase campaign at home to Union SG at Ibrox next week, needing a win at least to have any chance of breaking into the top eight.
Andrew Delaney
