Manchester United 2-1 Rangers: Late Fernandes Winner Seals Dramatic Victory
Old Trafford, January 23, 2025
Manchester United took a major step towards securing an automatic place in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Rangers, capped by a stoppage-time winner from Bruno Fernandes.
On a night filled with emotion following a tribute to United legend Denis Law, the Reds edged out the Scottish side in dramatic fashion. Christian Eriksen’s corner forced an own goal from Jack Butland to give United a second-half lead, but Cyriel Dessers looked to have salvaged a point for the visitors with an 88th-minute equaliser. Fernandes, however, had the final say, slotting home in the 92nd minute to send Old Trafford into raptures.
First Half – Controversy and Missed Chances
Ruben Amorim’s side started brightly, with Alejandro Garnacho cutting inside early and testing Butland. At the other end, debutant Altay Bayindir was called into action twice, first rushing out to deny Nico Raskin before parrying a Ridvan Yilmaz volley.
United thought they had taken the lead when Matthijs de Ligt powered in a header from an Amad corner, but Belgian referee Erik Lambrechts controversially ruled it out for an alleged push by Leny Yoro on Robin Propper. Replays suggested minimal contact, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Despite the setback, United continued to push forward. Fernandes and Garnacho both went close from distance, while Amad nearly capitalised on a sublime Fernandes pass, only for Butland to make a crucial stop. At the other end, Bayindir remained sharp, tipping a deflected effort from Hamza Igamane behind for a corner.
Second Half – Late Drama Seals Three Points
Both sides made changes at the break, with Maguire replacing De Ligt for United and Rangers introducing Ross McCausland and Bailey Rice. The second period remained tight, but United found a breakthrough in the 52nd minute. Fernandes’ shot was deflected onto the roof of the net, leading to an Eriksen corner. Butland, under pressure, misjudged the delivery and inadvertently punched the ball into his own net.
United nearly doubled their advantage when Garnacho’s close-range effort was deflected against the post. Maguire also went close, steering a header inches wide from another Eriksen set-piece.
As fatigue crept in, Amorim introduced Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo to bolster the midfield. Despite Rangers missing several key players, they remained a threat, and Dessers struck the post before eventually equalising in the 88th minute. The forward latched onto James Tavernier’s pass, firing low beyond Bayindir to stun the Old Trafford faithful.
However, United were not to be denied. With time ticking away, Martinez lofted a delicate pass into the box, and Fernandes arrived to smash the ball through Butland’s legs in the 92nd minute, securing a crucial European victory for the Reds.
Match Details:
Manchester United XI: Bayindir; Yoro (Malacia 55), De Ligt (Maguire 46), Martinez; Amad, Collyer (Ugarte 73), Eriksen (Mainoo 73), Dalot; Fernandes (c), Garnacho; Zirkzee (Hojlund 82).
Unused substitutes: Onana, Heaton, Casemiro, Antony.
Goals: Butland 52 (og), Fernandes 90+2.
Rangers XI: Butland; Tavernier (c), Propper, Balogun (Rice 46), Jefte; Barron (McCausland 46), Raskin; Cerny (Curtis 60), Bajrami (Dessers 71), Yilmaz (King 90); Igamane.
Unused substitutes: Kelly, Munn, Lawrence, Dowell, Lovelace, Hutton, Nsio.
Goal: Dessers 88.
Booked: Jefte 80.
Attendance: 73,288.
Post-Match Reactions
United boss Ruben Amorim hailed his team’s resilience: “We showed great character. The players fought to the end, and Bruno stepped up when we needed him most.”
Match-winner Fernandes added, “These are the moments you live for as a footballer. The fans were incredible, and I’m delighted we could get the win for them.”
United now shift their focus to a Premier League clash with Fulham before resuming European duties against FCSB next week, where they will look to confirm their place in the Round of 16.
