Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has come out to make it clear that €50 million signing has seized to be in his plans for the club following an abysmal performance in the Europa League clash against Rangers.

Manchester United secured a hard-fought victory over Rangers in the Europa League with a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Old Trafford. Although the performance left room for improvement, the Red Devils managed to claim all three points despite a late scare from the visitors.
United appeared to take an early lead when Matthijs de Ligt found the net with a header from a corner, but the goal was controversially disallowed for an alleged foul by Leny Yoro. However, they eventually went ahead early in the second half when Jack Butland made a costly error, punching a corner into his own net under little pressure. Rangers fought back and found an equaliser through Cyriel Dessers late in the game, but Bruno Fernandes responded almost immediately, securing a crucial win for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Altay Bayindir delivered a solid performance, making an important save to deny Igamane’s deflected shot that seemed destined for the bottom corner. He handled most of the threats from the opposition well and had little chance of stopping Rangers’ late goal. Leny Yoro showed good defensive awareness by cutting off passing options and breaking up attacks, but his passing could have been sharper. He was replaced before the hour mark. Matthijs de Ligt had a mixed outing, nearly gifting Rangers an early chance with a poor back pass but later having a goal disallowed. He was taken off at halftime.

Lisandro Martinez impressed with his aggressive approach, pushing forward to aid the attack while also fulfilling his defensive responsibilities. He tested the goalkeeper with a powerful shot before halftime and provided a brilliant assist for the decisive goal. Diogo Dalot struggled to find his rhythm, showing lapses in composure and failing to make meaningful contributions at either end of the pitch. Toby Collyer started nervously, losing possession in a dangerous area but eventually settled into the game, maintaining control in midfield.

Bruno Fernandes played a deeper role alongside Collyer and was instrumental in dictating play with his passing range. He rose to the occasion by scoring the late winner, showing true leadership. Christian Eriksen, operating behind the striker, was quiet in the opening stages but grew into the match, playing a key role in United’s opener with a well-delivered corner that led to Butland’s blunder. Amad struggled initially but found his rhythm in the second half, linking up well with teammates despite missing a golden opportunity to score before the break.

Alejandro Garnacho was lively throughout, showing his attacking intent with dangerous runs from the wing. He came close to scoring but was denied by the post, standing out as one of United’s top performers on the night. Joshua Zirkzee, on the other hand, had a disappointing game, failing to pose a real threat in front of goal and was eventually substituted for Rasmus Hojlund.

Among the substitutes, Harry Maguire missed a clear chance to extend United’s lead and was caught off guard for Rangers’ equaliser. Tyrell Malacia put in a steady display after coming on, while Manuel Ugarte added stability in midfield during the final stages. Kobbie Mainoo also contributed after being introduced late in the game.
Manchester United’s dramatic 2-1 Europa League win over Rangers at Old Trafford showcased both resilience and areas for improvement. Despite an inconsistent performance, the Red Devils secured all three points, thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ late winner after a tense back-and-forth contest.

Key Moments:

Disallowed Goal: Matthijs de Ligt thought he had opened the scoring early with a header, only for the goal to be controversially ruled out for a foul by Leny Yoro.

Own Goal Gift: United eventually took the lead when Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland misjudged a Christian Eriksen corner, punching the ball into his own net.

Rangers Fight Back: Cyriel Dessers leveled the score late in the second half, punishing a lapse in United’s defense.

Fernandes to the Rescue: Just moments later, Lisandro Martinez delivered a precise ball into the box, which Fernandes converted with a composed finish to seal the win.

Player Performances:

Altay Bayindir: Delivered a strong display between the posts, making a crucial save to deny a deflected shot. He had little chance with Dessers’ equalizer but otherwise handled pressure well.

Defenders:

Leny Yoro: Showed solid defensive awareness but struggled with passing accuracy. His foul led to de Ligt’s disallowed goal, and he was subbed off before the hour mark.

Matthijs de Ligt: A mixed night, with one disallowed goal and a risky back pass that almost cost United. He was replaced at halftime.

Lisandro Martinez: Outstanding at both ends, testing Butland with a fierce shot and providing the assist for Fernandes’ winner.

Diogo Dalot: Struggled to impose himself, contributing little offensively or defensively.

Midfielders:

Toby Collyer: Had a nervy start but settled into his role, maintaining control in midfield as the game progressed.

Bruno Fernandes: Played a deeper role, dictating play and stepping up with the decisive goal to underline his leadership.

Christian Eriksen: Quiet initially but instrumental in the opener with a dangerous corner delivery that led to Butland’s mistake.

Forwards:

Alejandro Garnacho: United’s brightest spark on the night, constantly troubling Rangers’ defense with his runs. Denied by the post, but his energy was vital.

Amad: Struggled in the first half but improved after the break, linking up well with teammates despite missing a key chance.

Joshua Zirkzee: Had a subdued game, failing to pose much threat before being replaced by Rasmus Højlund.

Substitutes:

Harry Maguire: Missed a clear opportunity to extend the lead and was partly at fault for Rangers’ equalizer.

Tyrell Malacia: Delivered a steady performance after coming on.

Manuel Ugarte: Added composure and stability in midfield late on.

Kobbie Mainoo: Brought energy and fresh legs in the closing stages.

Key Takeaways:

United’s victory highlighted their fighting spirit, but also exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in defense and consistency in attack. Garnacho’s dynamic performance and Fernandes’ leadership were standout positives, while the team will need to address lapses in concentration to avoid such nervy finishes in the future. As United move forward in their Europa League campaign, improving cohesion and finishing will be crucial to their success.