Manchester United were in Europa League action on Thursday night against Rangers.
The game was coined the ‘Battle of Britain’ and it was certainly a closely contested tie.
Matthijs de Ligt thought he had given the Red Devils a lead after his headed effort – only for a free-kick to be given to Rangers, rather softly as Rio Ferdinand tweeted he thought it was ‘never a foul’.
Manchester United and Rangers were inseparable until the 51st minute when Jack Butland punched it into his own net after an excellent delivery from Christian Eriksen.
United were on course for a win, but in the dying moments, Rangers scored a brilliant goal through Cyril Dessers.
The tale was yet to be told though, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a brilliant goal in added time to re-claim all three points and likely send United into the last 16 barring disaster next week.
Captain Bruno Fernandes saves Amorim
When Dessers scored an equaliser, it looked like United had once again been punished for woeful finishing in front of goal.
But Bruno had other ideas as he scored a brilliant goal in injury time to re-take the lead and send Old Trafford into a rapture.
A massive result for United and Amorim will have plenty of thanks to give Bruno after this one.
Toby Collyer has arrived for United
It was the first European game for Toby Collyer and he passed with flying colours.
Collyer lasted 72 minutes and was one of the best players on the pitch, dominating in midfield. As he exited the pitch to an ovation around Old Trafford, Ferdinand was full of praise on TNT Sports.
“Done the simple things well, got to people, worked very hard. Good night’s work for him, first European game, well done.”
Collyer has established himself as the third-choice midfielder for Amorim and we expect his minutes are about to skyrocket.
United looked much better from corners
Corners have long been a problem for United, both offensively and defensively.
However, in this game against Rangers, it was a big strength for Amorim’s side.
De Ligt’s controversially disallowed goal was one and then the opening goal came from a well-delivered ball which Butland couldn’t handle.
The difference is that the corners have been taken by Amad and Eriksen – so long may this continue.
Alejandro Garnacho fighting for his United career
The game on Thursday was played with the backdrop of Garnacho being heavily linked with Chelsea.
Well if the move is on the cards, United’s No.17 certainly did not let it affect his game as he was the most dangerous player on the pitch for large periods.
Garnacho had the Rangers right-back’s number in the first-half and will feel he should have scored – hitting the post on one occasion – while he also put some balls into dangerous areas where a striker would usually be.
This performance could be seen as Garnacho fighting for his future at the club, showing Ineos he is worth keeping. However, on the other hand, it could do the opposite and prove to his suitors that a deal is in their best interests.
Amorim and United are unlikely to do a 180 on their Garnacho stance based on one game, but it will give the club something to ponder.
Altay Bayindir deserves to be first choice goalkeeper
In recent weeks, Andre Onana has been utterly woeful.
These terrible performances have led to the unthinkable and Amorim dropped him for this Europa League tie as Altay Bayindir made his European bow.
The Turkish international grabbed this opportunity with both hands – quite literally – as he proved to be an excellent shot-stopper once again.
Bayindir has played his way ahead of Onana in recent weeks and now we would not be shocked if he started on Sunday against Fulham.
He was beaten by Dessers, but there was little he could do about a stunning goal.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/mFXCxTl