Bruno Fernandes’ Stoppage-Time Winner Lifts Man Utd Past Rangers
Manchester United secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Rangers at Old Trafford in the Europa League, thanks to a 92nd-minute winner from Bruno Fernandes. The match saw dramatic twists, including a late equalizer from Cyriel Dessers and a bizarre own goal by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.
How the Game Unfolded
First Half: A Tight Contest
Rangers started strong, almost punishing United 10 minutes in, after Toby Collyer lost possession in midfield. Nicolas Raskin pounced on the opportunity, but his attempt was denied by Altay Bayindir, who pulled off a crucial save. Moments later, Ridvan Yilmaz forced another stop from Bayindir with a powerful volley.
United dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances. Alejandro Garnacho’s deflected shot was sent over the bar before Matthijs de Ligt’s header found the net, only for it to be ruled out for a soft foul by Leny Yoro.
The best opportunity of the half came when Bruno Fernandes’ clever pass set up Amad Diallo, but Butland rushed out quickly to deny the Ivorian. The first 45 minutes ended goalless.
Second Half: Late Drama Unfolds
United started the second half with intensity, and Lisandro Martinez forced a strong save from Butland early on. The breakthrough came from a bizarre own goal when Butland misjudged a punch, sending the ball spinning back into his own net.
Robin Propper denied United’s second goal with an incredible goal-line clearance from Garnacho’s shot. United’s Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte also went close, but Butland redeemed himself with a reflex save to stop Ugarte’s diving header.
Despite Rangers struggling to create, warning signs emerged as Jefte tested Bayindir from long range. Then, Dessers stunned Old Trafford in the 88th minute, controlling the ball brilliantly before firing a low shot past Bayindir to level the game at 1-1.
Just when it seemed United would drop points, Lisandro Martinez stepped up in stoppage time, delivering a pinpoint cross that Bruno Fernandes volleyed through Butland’s legs, securing a last-gasp 2-1 victory.
Man Utd Player Ratings (3-4-2-1)
| Position | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Altay Bayindir | 7.7/10 |
| CB | Leny Yoro | 6.9/10 |
| CB | Matthijs de Ligt | 6.8/10 |
| CB | Lisandro Martinez | 8.4/10 |
| RM | Amad Diallo | 7.5/10 |
| CM | Toby Collyer | 7.2/10 |
| CM | Christian Eriksen | 7.0/10 |
| LM | Diogo Dalot | 7.5/10 |
| AM | Alejandro Garnacho | 7.7/10 |
| AM | Bruno Fernandes (c) | 8.6/10 ⭐ |
| ST | Joshua Zirkzee | 6.3/10 |
Substitutes
- Harry Maguire (46′ for De Ligt) – 5.7/10
- Tyrell Malacia (55′ for Yoro) – 6.3/10
- Manuel Ugarte (73′ for Collyer) – 6.6/10
- Kobbie Mainoo (74′ for Eriksen) – 6.0/10
- Rasmus Hojlund (82′ for Zirkzee) – N/A
Rangers Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
| Position | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Jack Butland | 6.1/10 |
| RB | James Tavernier | 8.0/10 |
| CB | Robin Propper | 6.3/10 |
| CB | Leon Balogun | 6.7/10 |
| LB | Jefte | 6.6/10 |
| CM | Nicolas Raskin | 7.2/10 |
| CM | Connor Barron | 6.2/10 |
| RM | Vaclav Cerny | 6.0/10 |
| AM | Nedim Bajrami | 5.9/10 |
| LM | Ridvan Yilmaz | 6.1/10 |
| ST | Hamza Igamane | 7.0/10 |
Substitutes
- Ross McCausland (46′ for Barron) – 6.6/10
- Bailey Rice (46′ for Balogun) – 6.5/10
- Findlay Curtis (60′ for Cerny) – 6.6/10
- Cyriel Dessers (71′ for Bajrami) – 7.7/10
- Leon King (90′ for Yilmaz) – N/A
Key Takeaways from the Game
1. United Showed Fight & Resilience
After a crushing defeat against Brighton, Ruben Amorim challenged his squad to rediscover their fighting spirit. Despite conceding late, United rallied immediately to snatch the victory, proving they still have the hunger to win under pressure.
2. Rangers’ Forced Substitutions Changed the Game
Rangers looked strong in the first half, but losing Connor Barron and Leon Balogun at halftime weakened their shape. As United applied pressure, Rangers struggled to maintain their defensive solidity.
3. Altay Bayindir Impressed in Goal
Amid questions over Andre Onana’s form, Bayindir stepped up, making several key saves and keeping United in the match. Amorim insisted it was “just rotation,” but Bayindir’s performance could spark a goalkeeping debate at Old Trafford.
4. Alejandro Garnacho’s Impact Was Crucial
Despite not scoring or assisting, Garnacho was United’s most dangerous forward, recording more dribbles (5) and nine touches in the box, more than any other player. Losing him in the transfer window would be a massive blow.
Player of the Match – Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
The United captain delivered in the big moments, assisting Amad’s chance, scoring the winning goal, and leading his team through a tough battle.
What’s Next for Man Utd?
Manchester United will now shift focus to the Premier League, where they face Fulham in a must-win clash. Amorim hopes this victory restores confidence as United continue their fight for a top-four finish.
🔥 Do you think United can turn their season around? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️
