Manchester United left it late to see off Rangers at Old Trafford last night but did end the evening a step closer to qualifying in the top eight of the Europa League table.
Bruno Fernandes’ fine volley restored United’s lead in stoppage time after Cyriel Dessers looked to have snatched the visitors a point in the final moments of the regulation 90 minutes.
The winner was a welcome one for many reasons, particularly given United’s poor form under Ruben Amorim in front of home support.
As reported by The Mirror, it also allowed Amorim to join esteemed company in managing to win his first three major European games as United boss.
It is a feat only matched by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby, who achieved the same run in 1958 and 1990, respectively.
The record will be a welcome footnote for Amorim, who has been on the end of some unwanted entries into United’s record books since taking over in November.
Last night’s success follows wins against Viktoria Plzen and Bodo/Glimt despite both of them also presenting their challenges.
United came from behind in both of the previous victories and looked to have thrown the three points away against the Scots.
After United blew multiple chances to extend the lead given to them by a Jack Butland own goal early in the second half, Dessers’ late hit silenced the home fans and left Amorim’s side stunned.
But, to their credit, they mustered a response, with Lisandro Martinez’ fine cross finding his skipper, who duly buried the ball under the former United ‘keeper to spare his side’s blushes.
United will now travel to Bucharest for Matchday 8 in a much more comfortable position, knowing a point will all but guarantee them a place in the round of 16.
Direct qualification means United will avoid the qualifying legs and free up two potential midweek fixtures in what is already a packed schedule.
Amorim is desperate for more time on the training field with his new side and avoiding the two legged tie will allow him more time to work on his system which the current crop of United stars are struggling to adapt to.
United are back in action this coming Sunday in the Premier League’s curious evening kick off slot, away to Marco Silva’s dangerous Fulham.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
