Man Utd Player Ratings vs Rangers: Bruno Fernandes Saves the Day as Maguire's Errors Nearly Prove Costly in Europa League Win

The Portuguese 'Magnifico' spared his teammate's blushes to propel Ruben Amorim's side into the knockout stages.

Manchester United has one foot in the Europa League knockout stage after Bruno Fernandes scored a hardly merited 2-1 victory over Rangers. The Red Devils appeared to have thrown away the victory when Harry Maguire lost sight of Cyriel Dessers, allowing the substitute striker to equalize in the 88th minute, canceling out Jack Butland's own goal.

However, less than three minutes later, Lisandro Martinez found the Portuguese 'Magnifico' in the area. The captain volleyed low past Butland to give United their fourth consecutive Europa League victory, moving them up to fourth in the standings and within touching distance of clinching their place in the last 16 ahead of their final league game next week at FCSB.

Goalkeeper and Defence Performance Review

Altay Bayindir (7/10):

I had to make several tough saves and was up to the task. Yilmaz and Raskin were thwarted, while Martinez responded brilliantly to Hamza Igamane's long-range shot, which rebounded off him: a strong performance and a contrast to Andre Onana's gaffe-filled previous appearance.

Leny Yoro (6/10):

His infraction resulted in De Ligt's goal being ruled out. They had competent defense but were removed early in the second half.

Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):

Loose with the ball; he was fortunate that Hamza Igamane did not intercept his rash backpass. He used his physicality to get home, and it was unfair to rule the goal out. Maguire was substituted at halftime.

Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

They moved the ball around nicely and came close to beating Butland with a powerful long-range strike. Then he helped Fernandes win the game with an assist.

Midfield Performance Analysis

Amad Diallo (6/10):

He had some glimpses but was unable to cause any damage against the club where he had a dismal loan three years ago.

Christian Eriksen (7/10):

His passing allowed United to dominate much of the game, and he worked well with Garnacho. Butland punched in his corner.

Toby Collyer (5/10):

He was given his first start under Amorim after some impressive replacement performances. But he seemed a little overwhelmed by the occasion. Nicolas Raskin's big early chance came from being trapped in possession.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

They didn't move forward much but showed authority in defense, making some crucial saves when shifted into the back three in the second half.

Attacking Performance Breakdown

Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

The best player on the field. I tried to make things happen by doing thrusting runs both inside and outside. A goal-bound attempt was deflected over the bar, but he should have scored when he struck the post from within the box.

Joshua Zirkzee (6/10):

They made some good touches to help United's build-up play but did not get close enough to the goal.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

I spent a lot of time launching passes from deep, which had mixed outcomes, but I eventually got it right.

Substitutes and Manager Assessment

Harry Maguire (4/10):

I made two enormous blunders at either end. He should have buried his header but instead missed it. Then, his costly misstep gave Dessers the equalizer.

Tyler Malacia (5/10):

They didn't do much after replacing Yoro and switching to left-wing-back.

Manuel Ugarte (5/10):

In midfield, there was a flurry of activity.

Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):

I should have participated more.

Rasmus Hojlund (N/A):

Introduced in the 82nd minute.

Ruben Amorim (6/10):

He may not be pleased with his performance, but he has secured his first last-gasp victory at Old Trafford and will most likely avoid an unwelcome play-off tie.