Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandez did what he does best but this time in the dying minutes of the match to ensure the Reds a triumphant victory as they beat Rangers FC 2-1 at Old Trafford.
The Reds are fourth in the table, having maintained an unbeaten record in the Europa League this season. With this advantage, they hope to qualify for the round of 16 when they travel away to play FCSB in Bucharest on Thursday (30th January).
The first half of the match was less of a show as Rangers took it to the Reds strongly who in return defended well. United on the other hand hurled attacks that still bore no fruit as it halted on a barren draw at halftime.
After the break, the hosts took the lead but in unclear circumstances. Christian Eriksen’s corner was met by Rangers goalkeeper Butland who punched the ball into his net. The Reds almost doubled their lead at the 60th-minute mark as a patient move started by Garnacho was nearly finished by the Argentina international, who brought Amad’s cutback under control but his attempt hit the post.
It would have been another disastrous night at Old Trafford after Dessers equalized for Rangers FC at the 88 minutes of the game. Manchester United were leading 1-0 from the early minutes of the second half with all the hopes of winning the match until this unfortunate happened. Captain Bruno Fernandes came to their rescue, snatching a 2-1 win at the 92nd minute of the game.
It was cruel for Rangers FC to lose the match at such a time but it was also a much-needed moment for the Reds to redeem themselves at Old Trafford after having lost four of their previous five games inside their home stadium. Despite the defeat, Rangers’ hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages remain alive with one match, against Union Saint-Gilloise.
“We lost control of the game for seven minutes because of small, bad decisions. Even when we suffered the Rangers’ goal, we were so near to the second goal and missed so many chances. We are not playing our best, we are far from that, but we improved from the last game. The opponent is different, the speed is different, everything is different. But they tried, you can see it again. The connections, the movement, some play and we did well for the time we’ve had to train. We need to be more clinical in the right moments. That can help us a lot but this was a good victory.” Ruben Amorin
