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Manchester United left late last night to see off Rangers at Old Trafford, but ended the night one step closer to a place in the top eight of the Europa League.
After Cyriel Dessers appeared to have snatched a point just before the end of 90 minutes of regulation time, Bruno Fernandes’ fine volley restored United’s lead in stoppage time.
This victory was a welcome one for many reasons. Especially given United’s poor form under manager Ruben Amorim in front of their home supporters.
As reported by the Mirror, this allowed Amorim to join the esteemed ranks of United managers who won their first three major European games.
This is a feat rivaled only by legendary Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby, who achieved the same record in 1958 and 1990 respectively.
The record will be a welcome footnote for Amorim, who has put an end to an undesirable mark on United’s record books since taking over in November.
Last night’s success followed wins over Viktoria Plzen and Bodo/Glimt, both of which came despite challenges.
United had come from behind in both of their previous wins and appeared to have taken all three points against Scotland.
United squandered a number of chances to extend their lead with Jack Butland’s own goal early in the second half, before Dessers’ late strike silenced the home fans and left Amorim’s side stunned.
But, to their credit, they did muster a response, with Lisandro Martinez’s wonderful cross finding the captain, who duly buried the ball under the former United keeper to save his side the blushes. .
United will head to Bucharest for Matchday 8 in a more comfortable position as a point would almost guarantee them a place in the Round of 16.
Direct qualification allows United to avoid a qualifying leg and free up two potential midweek fixtures in an already packed schedule.
Amorim is desperate to spend more time on the training ground with his new team, avoiding the two-legged strawman and giving him time to work on a system that United’s current stars have struggled to adapt to. could be increased.
United return to action this Sunday away to Marco Silva’s dangerous Fulham in an interesting evening kick-off slot in the Premier League.
Featured Image Sean Botterill (via Getty Images)
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