Bruno Fernandes Hands Manchester United Dramatic Victory Over Rangers

Manchester United closed in on a direct passage to the Europa League last 16 thanks to Bruno Fernandes' late winner to beat Rangers 2-1 on Thursday. The Red Devils looked set to suffer more disappointment at Old Trafford when Cyriel Dessers levelled for an injury-ravaged Rangers in the 88th minute. But Fernandes spared United's blushes and possibly the playoff round by blasting home in stoppage time. "It was a victory that we truly needed in this moment," said under-fire United boss Ruben Amorim. United move up to fourth in the table with one match of the league phase remaining.

The top eight will qualify directly for the last 16, which may now be beyond Rangers, who slip to 13th.

However, the Glasgow giants battled bravely in the circumstances as coach Philippe Clement had to turn to two teenagers off the bench in the second half as his injury problems mounted.

"I saw everybody gutted in the dressing room that we lost after playing that kind of game," said Clement.

"I am also very proud what the team did today, sticking to the plan with really young players coming on the pitch,"

Amorim had blasted United's current crop as the worst in the club's history after a bruising 3-1 defeat to Brighton at the weekend.

That was a fourth defeat in five home games and United's nervousness in front of an expectant crowd was clear to see in the early stages before they began to take control.

Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a move away in the closing weeks of the transfer window as United look to ease their issues with meeting profit and sustainability rules.

The Argentine is attracting interest from Napoli and Chelsea and should have signed off with at least one goal if it is to be his final appearance for the club.

Garnacho's