Cyriel Dessers thought he had secured a crucial point for Rangers at Old Trafford, but Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes struck deep into stoppage time to hand the hosts a dramatic 2-1 victory in their UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday.
Rangers started the match confidently, but an error from goalkeeper Jack Butland in the 52nd minute put them behind. Christian Eriksen’s corner looked routine, but Butland misjudged his punch, sending the ball into his own net to give United a 1-0 lead.

United nearly doubled their advantage in the 61st minute when Alejandro Garnacho struck the post from six yards, following a well-worked move. Rangers responded with a period of pressure, and in the 66th minute, Harry Maguire missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0, heading just wide from an Eriksen free-kick.
Rangers coach Philippe Clement introduced Dessers in the 71st minute as he looked for more attacking firepower. The Nigerian striker made an immediate impact, coming close in the 83rd minute when he dinked the ball past United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, only to be denied by the offside flag.
However, Dessers was not to be denied. In the 88th minute, after a foul on Rangers by Maguire, James Tavernier delivered a pinpoint pass that found Dessers at the edge of the box. The Super Eagles striker controlled the ball before firing a powerful shot into the bottom-right corner, silencing Old Trafford and sending the traveling Rangers fans into wild celebrations. The goal marked a significant milestone for Dessers, as it was his 150th club career goal and his second in the Europa League this season.

Just when it seemed Rangers had earned a well-deserved point, United struck back in stoppage time. A misplaced touch from Dessers in the box saw Rangers lose possession, allowing United to sustain an attack. Lisandro Martinez delivered a perfect cross to Fernandes, who smashed a first-time shot past Butland into the bottom-left corner in the 92nd minute.
The goal was Fernandes’ first in the Europa League this season and his first in European competition since March 9, 2023, against Real Betis.
The loss extends Rangers’ poor away form, with their last win on the road coming on December 8. They remain 13th in the standings and must now win their final group-stage match against Union Saint-Gilloise while hoping other results go in their favor to secure automatic passage into the last 16.
For United, now fourth in the group, a win against FCSB in their final match will guarantee their qualification for the knockout stages.
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