(Football news) Substitute Cyriel Dessers’s sensational strike two minutes from time looked like it was going to salvage a dramatic late point for Rangers before Fernandes met Lisandro Martinez’s cross on the volley two minutes into stoppage time.
Jack Butland’s comical own goal had put Ruben Amorim’s side ahead early in the second half, but Rangers carried a threat all night, and on 88 minutes, Dessers was the man to fire home a wonderful leveller, sending the 3,700 away fans into delirium.
It was the hosts who had the last laugh though, with the Manchester United captain sending them fourth in the 36-team standings, digging his manager out of another potential hole on an otherwise underwhelming night.
For Philippe Clement’s side, they will be devastated at losing out in such circumstances, and it also greatly reduces their chances of finishing in the top eight, as they have fallen to 13th tonight.
Like has so often been the case under Amorim, it was not pretty by any means by Manchester United, but they have ultimately got an important three points, which leaves them in the driving seat for a top-eight finish.
However, against stronger opposition, you feel the Red Devils could have struggled again, given the openings Rangers had, and failed to take for most of the evening, and a similar performance on Sunday against Fulham may lead to another difficult evening.
It is hard to believe, but Manchester United are still unbeaten in Europe this season, and that is why they remain one of the red-hot favourites to win the Europa League outright, but cutting out defensive errors and leaving fewer gaping holes in midfield will be required to go far in this competition.
Since his sending off on Boxing Day against Wolves, Fernandes has been crucial for Amorim, scoring three goals and registering an assist in his last five matches, and few will be celebrated as much than this one.
Manchester United vs Rangers Key Moments
Butland own goal vs. Rangers (53rd min, Manchester United 1-0 Rangers)
Oh dear Jack Butland… It is a horror moment for Rangers’ English goalkeeper, as he inadvertently punches Christian Eriksen’s corner into the back of his own net under very little pressure from anybody in a red shirt.
Dessers goal vs. Manchester United (88th minutes, Manchester United 1-1 Rangers)
They have been knocking on the door, and now Rangers are level at Old Trafford! A lofted ball in behind by James Tavernier is controlled exquisitely by Dessers, who shrugs Harry Maguire aside and leaves Altay Bayindir with no chance with a thunderous finish.
Fernandes goal vs. Rangers (92nd minute, Manchester United 2-1 Rangers)
A captain’s goal by Fernandes, and how crucial will that be for Amorim! Martinez’s cross from the left leaves Jefte caught in no-mans land, and the skipper evades the full-back before firing through the legs of Butland to win all three points for the hosts.
MAN OF THE MATCH—ALTAY BAYINDIR
That makes it two starts and two man of the match awards for Manchester United’s backup Turkish keeper, and even though tonight was not as dramatic for Bayindir as the FA Cup win over Arsenal was, he still played a big part in the win.
After another abysmal error from Andre Onana at the weekend, Bayindir was a safe pair of hands here, and when called into action from corners and speculative efforts from the visitors, he was equal to them, as well as showing speed to get in Nicolas Raskin’s face early on to deny the Rangers man from scoring the opener.
MAN UNITED VS. RANGERS MATCH STATS
Possession: Man United 67%-33% Rangers
Shots: Man United 16-11 Rangers
Shots on target: Man United 6-7 Rangers
Corners: Man United 7-5 Rangers
Fouls: Man United 10-14 Rangers
Also read: Manchester United will play Rangers in the UEFA Europa League