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Manchester United boosted their Europa League automatic qualification hopes with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Rangers at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes scored a stoppage-time winner to secure the win for the Red Devils.
The match got off to a lively start, with Alejandro Garnacho testing Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland in the third minute. Rangers responded with a Nicolas Raskin effort in the ninth minute, but Altay Bayindir was alert to clear the danger.
Manchester United dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Garnacho and Fernandes both had opportunities, but their efforts were either wide or saved by Butland. On 18 minutes, Fernandes skewed a left-footed shot wide, while Garnacho fired a shot wildly over the bar.
The game’s tempo slowed down, but Manchester United had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 36th minute. A beautifully disguised ball by Fernandes put Amad in a one-on-one situation, but he fired straight at Butland.
Rangers pushed back, with Hamza Igamane firing from range, but Bayindir pushed the effort around the post for a corner. United kept possession, with Lisandro Martinez stepping up to unleash a fierce shot that was well saved by Butland.
The half-time whistle blew with the score still 0-0. Manchester United made a change at the start of the second half, with Harry Maguire replacing Matthijs de Ligt.
The breakthrough finally came in the 52nd minute when Christian Eriksen’s corner was punched into his own net by Butland. Manchester United should have extended their lead, but Garnacho and Maguire both missed golden opportunities.
Garnacho should have scored United’s second on the hour mark, but his shot flicked the post and went wide. Eriksen then whipped in a lovely ball from a free kick, but Maguire met the ball with his head in plenty of space and somehow managed to turn it wide.
Rangers equalized in the 88th minute through Cyriel Dessers, who showed wonderful composure to control the ball and fire into the bottom corner. However, Manchester United responded dramatically in stoppage time, with Fernandes volleying home expertly from a Lisandro Martinez cross.
The win moves Manchester United up to fourth in the league phase, with their Europa League hopes boosted significantly. A result away to Steaua Bucharest next week will ensure a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16. Rangers, meanwhile, look likely to face a playoff round.
