United Beyond Manchester

Late winners at Old Trafford are not just a thing of the past. With Sir Alex Ferguson in attendance against a side he used to play for, Bruno Fernandes put Manchester United on a path to the Europa League knockout round with a goal in Fergie time.

Match Flow

Manchester United dominated possession early in the match and believed they had taken the lead inside 25 minutes through a Matthijs De Ligt header. However, the referee ruled the goal out on a questionable foul call, and the match remained level at zero.

The Reds created several opportunities towards the end of the half but failed to take the lead. Amad Diallo had a close-range shot saved by Jack Butland, who also prevented a powerful effort from Lisandro Martinez. A big chance for Joshua Zirkzee was blocked on its way to the goal after a well-placed cutback from Diogo Dalot.

Ruben Amorim’s team ended a dominant half without the lead. His side had 69% of possession and created eight shots with three on target.

A strong start to the second half resulted in a lead for United, but it was through a freakish own goal by Jack Butland. Christian Eriksen delivered a corner that seemed easy to handle, but the Rangers goalkeeper mishandled it and punched the ball into his own net, giving the hosts the advantage.

The lead was nearly doubled by Alejandro Garnacho in the 60th minute. The Argentine winger found space near the six-yard box, but his shot struck the post and out of danger.

Another opportunity to add a second went begging in the 65th minute, as a beautiful free kick from Christian Eriksen was wasted by Harry Maguire at the back post.

Manchester United were left to rue the missed chances as Rangers leveled in the 88th minute. Harry Maguire misread a ball over the top and Cyril Dessers made the Reds pay with a great touch, turn, and finish.

When you need someone to step up, the team turns to the captain. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to find a late winner for United in the second minute of stoppage time. Lisandro Martinez found space to cross on the left side and delivered a perfect ball to Fernandes, who finished emphatically past Butland to end hope for the Scottish giants.

Analysis

Manchester United were dominant in possession and created several quality chances, yet won just 2-1, with one of the goals coming from an own goal. Despite sixteen shots, seven being on target, the Reds found the net just once on an attack. Wasted opportunities are one of the many reasons that United have had such a poor season, and it nearly cost the team again.

After being overpowered on the wings by Brighton, Manchester United showed some improvement, but they still struggled defensively at times against Rangers in that area. When the visitors created opportunities, many were generated from wide spaces where United’s defenders were caught out of position. While improvement in positioning is expected as players become more familiar with Amorim’s system, it continues to be a concern with important matches coming up.

Next Match

Ruben Amorim will take his side to Craven Cottage on Sunday to face Fulham, who sit 10th in the league. The Europa League group stage will conclude next Thursday when United travel to Bucharest to play FCSB.