Manchester United left it late as they defeated Rangers 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night. Ruben Amorim made five changes from the side that lost against Brighton last weekend with Altay Bayindir and Alejandro Garnacho amongst those who came into the starting line up.
Rangers started as the better of the two sides and wasted early chances to score when Nicolas Raskin spurned a close-range effort and Ridvan Yilmaz fired a volley straight at Bayindir. United twice went close through Garnacho and should have had the lead when a Matthijs de Ligt header was harshly ruled out for a soft foul in the box.
United went close again when Amad Diallo fired a low effort at former teammate Jack Butland in the Rangers goal and Joshua Zirkzee saw a shot blocked in the box, but there was nothing to separate the two sides at the half-time break.
Butland never made an appearance for United during his spell at the club but gifted them the opening goal of the match as he punched Christian Eriksen’s corner into his net shortly after the restart.
United grew in confidence afterward and almost doubled their lead when the lively Garnacho hit the post from close range. They went close again when substitute Harry Maguire headed just wide of the back-post from a free-kick, while Manuel Ugarte saw a headed effort saved by Butland.
It looked like United were on course for victory when Maguire failed to win a simple long ball and allowed Cyriel Dessers to draw his side level. However, it didn’t last long as Bruno Fernandes fired in a stoppage-time winner when he connected with an outstanding cross from Lisandro Martinez.
Here is how we rated the United players during the win:
5. Lisandro Martinez - 8
He defended well and sent a ferocious effort at Butland. A comfortable performance in the backline. An excellent assist for the winner. | Manchester United via Getty Images
6. Amad Diallo - 6
Always looked like he could make something happen but had less impact on the match in the wing-back role. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Toby Collyer - 5
A useful night in midfield. He lost possession a few times but covered ground well and will have learned a lot from this one. | Manchester United via Getty Images
8. Christian Eriksen - 7
He played as you'd expect. Neat and tidy on the ball but was beaten too easily without it. His dangerous corner gave United the lead. | AFP via Getty Images