Manchester United edged Rangers 2-1 in an entertaining Europa League clash at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes’ late strike clinched the victory in dramatic fashion under the lights at the Theatre of Dreams, after the visitors had equalised 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 on, weaving past defenders, but having an effort comfortably saved by Jack Butland.
Rangers, despite limited time on the ball, created promising opportunities, with Ridvan Yilmaz forcing a smart stop 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 from a corner, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
Bruno’s late winner secures all three points! ➕3️⃣#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 23, 2025
Both sides continued to trade chances, with Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers looking sharp and Amad Diallo testing Butland, but the first half ended goalless.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half under bizarre circumstances.
In the 52nd minute, Butland, who had otherwise been excellent, made a costly error, misjudging an attempted punch from Christian Eriksen’s corner and sending the ball into his own net.
United seemed to take control after this, 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-piece.
Rangers, however, refused to fold. Philippe Clement’s side switched to a more attacking setup, and it paid dividends late on.
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 travelling fans.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, United’s 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 darted into the box to hammer a low shot past Butland in the 92nd minute.
It was Fernandes’ first goal in this season’s Europa League and a fitting way to mark his 50th appearance in the competition.
The win lifts Manchester United to fourth in the Europa League table, keeping their hopes of qualification alive, while Rangers sit in 13th, left to rue missed chances and a moment of brilliance from United’s skipper.