Manchester United beat Rangers 2-1 in an exciting Europa League match at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes' late goal sealed the win in dramatic fashion under the lights at the Theater of Dreams, after the visitors had equalized a few minutes earlier.
The match started with United having the lion's share of the ball, but Rangers proved dangerous on the counter-attack.
Alejandro Garnacho threatened early, running past defenders, but his effort was easily saved by Jack Butland.
Despite limited time on the ball, Rangers created promising chances, with Ridvan Yilmaz forcing a smart stop from Altay Binder and Nicola Raskin's header denying Jarnacho at the other end.
United thought they had the lead in the 24th minute when Matthijs de Ligt scored from a corner kick, but the goal was canceled due to an error in the build-up of the attack.
Bruno's late winner secures the three points! ➕3️⃣#MUFC || #UEL
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 23, 2025
The two teams continued to exchange chances, with Rangers' Cyril Desires looking sharp while Amad Diallo tested Butland, but the first half ended in a scoreless draw.
The deadlock was broken at the start of the second half under strange circumstances.
In the 52nd minute, Butland, who was excellent, made a huge mistake, misjudging Christian Eriksen's corner kick attempt and sending the ball into his own net.
United seemed to control the course of the game after that and created many opportunities to increase their lead. Garnacho hit the post from close range, and Harry Maguire missed a header from another Eriksen set-piece.
But the Rangers refused to give up. Philippe Clement's side turned to a more attacking style, and they did so late on.
In the 88th minute, James Tavernier sent a stunning long pass to Desires, who controlled it brilliantly before shooting past Bender into the bottom corner, sparking pandemonium among the traveling fans.
With the game looking like it was heading towards a draw, the United captain stepped up in the final moments.
After Rangers' attack collapsed, United surged forward. Lisandro Martinez sent a perfect cross from the left side, and Fernandes rushed into the penalty area and fired 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 celebrate his 50th appearance in the competition.
The win lifts Manchester United to fourth place in the Europa League table, keeping alive their qualification hopes, while Rangers sit in 13th place, bemoaning missed opportunities and a moment of brilliance from the United captain.
