Rangers endured a nightmare at the Theatre of Dreams as Bruno Fernandes’ injury time winner denied them a Europa League point against Manchester United.
Philippe Clement’s side thought they were going to leave Old Trafford with a draw when sub Cyriel Dessers’ levelled on 88 minutes after Jack Butland’s howler had gifted the home side a lead. But United skipper Fernandes responded late on with a volley that secured victory for Ruben Amorim’s under-pressure side Rangers weren’t at their best and Clement’s night was made worse due to injuries to Leon Balogun, Connor Barron and Vaclav Cerny. They’re still almost certain to grab a Europa League play-off spot but can cement their place at Ibrox against Union St-Gilloise next week.
Here’s 3 talking points from Old Trafford.
Butland’s woe
There was never any doubt that Clement was going to recall his first-choice keeper, Jack Butland, for the trip to Old Trafford – despite his deputy Liam Kelly performing well while he was out injured. The Englishman was fit again to face his old club and Clement must have hoped Butland’s stature and experience would be crucial for Rangers. But ultimately, the decision backfired as his howler gifted Manchester United a lead early in the second half.
Before it, Butland had pulled off two terrific saves to keep them at bay. In the first half, he was razor sharp in denying Amad Diallo and then showed his agility by clawing away a long-range effort from Lisandro Martinez. But he’ll have nightmares about United’s opener from Christian Eriksen’s corner. He opted to come and punch in a crowded box but diverted it into his net for an OG. Butland is Clement’s undisputed number one – but he can’t afford many more mistakes like this.
Mr Enigma
He’s a Rangers enigma who most fans want sold in this January transfer window – but Cyriel Dessers might be worth keeping at Ibrox after his stunning goal at Old Trafford. When the big Nigerian came off the bench against Manchester United, it looked like he’d struggle to trouble Harry Maguire and Co in the Reds’ defence. But out of nowhere in the 88th minute, Dessers produced an incredible touch from James Tavernier’s raking pass and buried an equaliser to send the away fans into a state of ecstasy. It was typical Dessers who has split opinion in the Rangers support almost since the day he signed.
Just when he thought he’d captured a memorable moment in a light blue shirt at the Theatre of Dreams, it turned into a nightmare for the number nine when Bruno Fernandes hit an injury time winner to deny Philippe Clement’s men a point. It was a body blow to the striker and Rangers but his strike was still a thing of beauty. And with speculation rife about his future, it might alter the manager’s thinking over his future.
Garnacho deliver
Rumours are rife that Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho is on his way out of Manchester United with the likes of Chelsea and Napoli weighing up a £70 million move. But on this evidence Ruben Amorim should be trying to hang on to him as he was the chief danger to Rangers at Old Trafford and United’s best player. With Diogo Dalot behind him on the left flank, they combined to cause Gers skipper James Tavernier no end of defensive problems. The right-back didn’t know if the youngster was going to hit the byline or dart infield. Garnacho signalled his intention early by skinning Taverner and getting a shot off on his right foot- and it wasn’t the last time he posed a threat to Clement’s men.
Pass imperfect
When Rangers have performed well away from home in Europe this season at places like Malmo, Olympiakos and Nice, they’ve kept the ball. Even against Spurs at Ibrox, at key times in the game, their possession was tidy, crisp and purposeful. But against United here, it wasn’t up to the usual Euro standard and it allowed a fragile home side to get a foothold in the game. Too often, they conceded cheap possession and allowed United to get a turnover and go at them. When they did counter attack with a bit of zest, they weren’t incisive enough with their passing or final ball which will have frustrated their manager who has seen it a lot sharper on the road in Europe this season. They created more near the end with Dessers’ goal and near miss off the post but it was still short of the quality they’ve produced previously.
Down to bare bones
Rangers can’t let a gut-wrenching night at Old Trafford spoil their European campaign. They were down to the bare bones against Manchester United which curtailed them as they looked to get even a priceless point. They’re still almost certain to reach the knock-out phase of the Europa League and it’s important they finish the job at home to Union St-Gilloise next Thursday night. With a depleted side, Clement will need the Ibrox crowd behind them against the Belgians as they look to finish the group phase on a high and look forward to a potential play-off in February. The performance against United was probably their most lacklustre in Europe this term but there were mitigating circumstances and if the manager can get players back fit – as well as adding reinforcements in the transfer window there’s still plenty life left in them in this competition which has been brilliant for Gers in recent years.