Football

Manchester United put one foot firmly in the Semi Finals after win at Granada


United in control

Manchester United will host Granada in the second leg of their Europa League tie next week knowing that they should have done enough in the first leg to see them safely through to the semi finals.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and a late penalty from Bruno Fernandes have put the Red Devils in a great position, even though three of their players picked up yellow cards and will miss the second leg.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men took the lead in the 31st minute when Marcus Rashford latched onto to Victor Lindelof’s superb pass over the top, controlled it with one touch and calmly finished. It was a lovely goal, even though TV missed it in real time.

It also came from United’s first shot of the game and Rashford’s 20th goal of the season.

Grenada did hit the post in the 41st minute, and both Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw picked up bookings in the first half meaning they will miss the second leg next week. Harry Maguire also picked up a yellow card, meaning that he too will miss the second leg in Manchester.

They did force David De Gea into some routine saves, but United put the game, and possibly the tie, to bed when they were awarded a penalty which Bruno Fernandes just about forced home.

Not Perfect

Manchester United put one foot firmly in the Semi Finals after win at Granada

Manchester United’s Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts during the English Premier League football match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor in Burnley, north west England on January 12, 2021. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Solskjaer said;

“It was not a perfect night. We got three yellow cards and three suspensions. 2-0 is a very good result. We know how difficult it is to come to Spain. We’ve got to play well to get a result. 

“They (Rashford and Fernandes) have been exceptional, so important for us. It was a very good run by Rashford, takes the ball fantastically. Bruno is so confident on penalties even though the keeper almost saved it.”

“Same as always (attitude for next week). We want to win every game. It’s still a young team, a learning team. We have to improve all the time. Football catches you so quickly if you rest. We can’t have any other approach.” 

 

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