Manchester United’s four things noticed as Bruno Fernandes heroics saves Rúben Amorim vs Rangers

Four things noticed as Bruno Fernandes saves Manchester United with a late winning effort against Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Rúben Amorim chose to start Toby Collyer in midfield as Manchester United hosted Rangers in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.

The tie started with Alejandro Garnacho as United’s main driver, but it was the visiting team who had the two biggest chances within the opening minutes of the game. Matthijs de Ligt had the ball in the net, but the goal was ruled out after Leny Yoro was deemed to have fouled Robin Pröpper just moments before.

With the tie heating up, Amad was denied by Jack Butland after a brilliant Bruno Fernandes pass as half time crept upon Old Trafford, and despite further probing from Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martínez, the tie was level after 45 minutes.

In the second half, Harry Maguire replaced De Ligt for United, and former Reds goalkeeper Butland handed United the lead, bizarrely punching the ball into his net from a Christian Eriksen corner.

Garnacho then came close to making it two as he hit the post from just yards out, and United paid for their failure to be clinical when Rangers equalised with just minutes to play through Cyriel Dessers.

However, when all hoped seemed lost, Martínez came up with a brilliant cross to find Fernandes, who volleyed in a winning effort in extra time to hand United three points.

Below are four things we noticed from the tie on Thursday evening.

#1 – United suffer hypocritical decision

The decision to deny United their opening goal from De Ligt was the perfect embodiment of hypocritical refereeing across Europe.

United has conceded a number of corners this season, with teams such as Arsenal choosing to bully their way into scoring by blocking and shoving United’s players, with no reprimand.

However, Yoro’s slight touch on Pröpper was deemed a foul despite the club having seen so many more forceful actions let go in the past. Amorim will no doubt have been fuming.

#2 – United’s first-half woes continue

United have not scored a goal from open play in the first half of a competitive fixture since they faced Nottingham Forest on 7 December, with the only one coming since being Fernandes’ penalty against Brighton on the weekend.

Against Rangers, United once again failed to score in the opening 45 minutes. Although they were unlucky to have De Ligt’s header ruled out, but overall, the club did not look potent enough, only really getting in behind once.

The visitors dealt with United fairly comfortably until Butland handed his former club a perfect lead. Although United grew in confidence after that, United still failed to penetrate Rangers, and they almost paid for it after they threw away their lead late in the tie, saved by Fernandes’ magic.

#3 – Garnacho not distracted by the noise

Amid United’s preparations for the game, news broke that Chelsea were lining up a bid for Garnacho, with the feeling that an offer of around £60 million would tempt United to accept.

Despite the noise, Garnacho started the fixture, played the full 90 minutes, and was United’s most regular threat on the night, looking like he was unaffected despite the rife speculation about his future.

There have been rumours that Chelsea were initially apprehensive about a transfer due to attitude issues. Still, his performance under pressure put that to bed, although that may spell bad news for United if they want to keep the player.

#4 – Dalot’s surprisingly good role

Yoro was taken off just before 60 minutes, and Diogo Dalot swapped from left wing-back to slot into the right of the back three, and he played surprisingly well.

He looked comfortable on the ball, and although Rangers scored once he filled into the spot, his individual performance was confident and assured.

He may be another option for Amorim should injuries occur and him becoming less needed on the left should a new left wing-back sign this window.

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