Unbeaten United snatch win against Rangers: Five things we learned | OneFootball

Despite their woeful league form, Manchester United remain unbeaten in the Europa League. The Reds have struggled at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim but they managed to snatch the three points tonight, with an injury time winner from Bruno Fernandes. The victory puts Amorim’s side on the verge of automatic qualification from the new league format of the Europa League.

United faced a Rangers side that have been enduring similar struggles in their domestic league whilst maintaining good form in Europe.

It was not the most entertaining game but United entered the final minutes with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a Rangers own goal. When the visitor’s fired in a late equaliser in the 88th minute, it looked like the points would be shared. However, a Bruno Fernandes goal in the 92nd minute secured a dramatic victory for the home team.

Here are five things we learned…

Training time for Amorim

United are now on the verge of qualifying without a playoff match and perhaps the biggest gain from tonight for them will be the potential for extra time on the training ground. Since Amorim has come in, he has emphasised the lack of time that he has had on the training pitch with his players, and how much he has struggled to implement his ideas without sufficient sessions. Consequently, the removal of a two-legged playoff tie from United’s schedule will open up two midweeks in February during which the Portuguese coach can drill his squad with his tactics.

Garnacho stars amid Chelsea speculation

Despite reports coming out earlier in the day that there is still potential for Alejandro Garnacho to move to rivals Chelsea this month, Ruben Amorim still trusted and started the winger. The 20-year-old played the full 90 minutes and looked a threat down United’s left-hand side. The young Argentine international has not enjoyed the best season so far at Old Trafford, as his development has somewhat stalled during a difficult campaign for the Reds. Just over a month ago, Garnacho found himself dropped from the squad for the Manchester derby by new manager Amorim. Although he has since earned his place back, it is not clear where his future lies, with the winger being strongly linked with a January switch to Stamford Bridge.

No clean sheet for United

United failed to keep a clean sheet against Rangers and they are without one since the 1st of December. The Reds have been unable to keep their opponents from scoring in their last 13 matches in all competitions. They have kept just a single clean sheet since manager Amorim took over and this is a definite cause for concern. The United boss will surely want to rectify this as soon as possible, but a tough away trip to Fulham is next up for the Reds.

Butland’s blushes

The opening goal of the match came from an absolute blunder by Jack Butland. In the 52nd minute, the English goalkeeper attempted to punch clear a United corner. However, he did not connect cleanly with the ball and the Rangers No.1 accidentally flicked the ball backwards into his own net. The holder of nine England caps, tonight will not be a highlight of Butland’s career, as Rangers defended valiantly and were only undone by his mishap prior to United’s winner in the 92nd minute.

De Ligt Denied

In the 23rd minute, Amad Diallo’s corner was met by Matthijs de Ligt and the defender headed home from close range. However celebrations were short-lived, as the referee blew for a Rangers free kick. It was judged that Lenny Yoro had elbowed Robin Pröpper, but replays showed that there was minimal contact and certainly not enough for the Rangers player to go down in the manner that he did. VAR did not overturn the on-field decision, although it surely would not have intervened if the referee had allowed the goal. It would be fair to say that de Ligt and United were unfortunate with this decision.