100% crosses, 5 long balls, 4 key passes: United stars can thank this teammate for saving them in win vs. Rangers

Manchester United beat Rangers 2-1 to move to fourth place in the league phase standings of the Europa League.

United took the lead seven minutes after the break, as Jack Butland punched a Christian Eriksen corner-kick into the back of his own net.

The Red Devils were cruising until some pitiful defending from Harry Maguire gifted Rangers an equaliser in the 88th minute. It appeared like Ruben Amorim’s men were set to settle for another disappointing result but Bruno Fernandes had other ideas.

Fernandes got on the end of a sumptuous ball from Lisandro Martinez and smashed it into the back of the net, well beyond the reach of Butland.

Beyond his goal, the United skipper was impressive all match and it was well-deserved that he got the stoppage-time winner.

During the time he was on the pitch, Fernandes had 98 touches of the ball to his name and found his teammates with 62 of the 79 passes he attempted.

Four of his passes were key passes.

The Portugal international tried to connect with two crosses and nine long balls. He successfully found his intended target with all two crosses and five long balls.

Fernandes created two chances.

He managed two shots in total. One – the goal – was on target, while the other didn’t really trouble Butland between the sticks.

The 30-year-old midfielder won four of the nine ground duels he delved into and two of the four aerial challenges he contested. Fernandes also made one clearance and as many interceptions. He put in two tackles.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

United are back in action on Sunday when they make their way to Craven Cottage to face Marco Silva’s Fulham.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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