Bruno Fernandes scored a stoppage-time winner for Manchester United as they overcame Rangers 2-1 at Old Trafford. The late goal came after Cyriel Dessers’ dramatic equaliser in the 88th minute, which had briefly given the Scottish club hope of a vital point.

Rangers’ forward Dessers produced a stunning moment, outmuscling Harry Maguire to score a brilliant goal and cancel out Jack Butland’s earlier own goal. However, Fernandes responded swiftly, volleying home with precision to secure victory for United.

The result sees Manchester United climb to fourth in the Europa League standings. Despite their Premier League struggles, Ruben Amorim’s side remains unbeaten in Europe after seven fixtures. A win away to Steaua Bucharest next week will secure a top-eight finish, bypassing the play-off round. Rangers, sitting in 13th place, are almost certain to feature in the play-offs.

Amorim: “It was a good victory”

“We didn’t deserve the draw; I think it was fair for us to win the game. It was just a victory that we truly needed in this moment.”

Speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim added:

“We played well. There was more connection with the ball and good speed. We lost control of the game for seven minutes because of small, bad decisions. Even when we conceded Rangers’ goal, we were so close to scoring the second and missed so many chances. But we recovered, and it was a good victory.”

He acknowledged the team’s ongoing challenges:

“We are not playing our best; we are far from that. But we improved from the last game. The opponent is different, the speed is different, everything is different. But they tried, you can see it again – the connections, the movement, some play – and we did well considering the time we’ve had to train. We need to be more clinical in the right moments. That can help us a lot.”

 

Clement: “Everybody is gutted”
Rangers boss Philippe Clement expressed his disappointment but praised his players’ efforts:

“I saw everybody gutted in the dressing room, disappointed that we lost after playing that kind of game. I am also [disappointed], clearly, because we wanted to win and take the points we deserved.”

However, Clement highlighted his pride in the team’s performance:

“I am also proud of what the team did today – sticking to the plan, following the tactics, and with all the young players coming on the pitch. The team stayed compact, well-organised, and brave on the ball. We created enough chances. In the first half, we created the best opportunity. We went behind but did not stop believing and playing for the goal, so it is very disappointing to concede at the end.”

Man Utd vs Rangers: Player Ratings

• Manchester United: Bayindir (7), De Ligt (6), Martinez (7), Yoro (6), Amad (7), Collyer (7), Eriksen (7), Dalot (6), Fernandes (7), Garnacho (7), Zirkzee (5).
  Subs Used: Maguire (5), Malacia (6), Ugarte (6), Mainoo (6), Højlund (6).
• Rangers: Butland (4), Tavernier (7), Propper (7), Balogun (6), Jefte (5), Barron (6), Raskin (7), Ridvan (6), Bajrami (6), Cerny (7), Igamane (6).
  Subs Used: Rice (6), McCausland (6), Curtis (6), Dessers (7).