Categories: News

Europa League: Rashford fires United into semi-finals


A wondrous winner from Marcus Rashford, deep into extra-time, finally saw off Anderlecht to cap a thrilling night at Old Trafford and send United into the Europa League semi-finals.

For a short while, it looked like being a short night for United. They took the lead on 10 minutes when excellent work from Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford created a chance which Henrikh Mkhitaryan powered home; 2-1 on aggregate.

And United looked likely to add to their advantage in the following few minutes, but Reuben Martinez made two excellent saves and Anderlecht then hauled themselves into the game; as such, it was no great surprise when Sofiane Hanni equalised, ramming home after good work from Youri Tielemans. 2-2 on aggregate.

At the start of the second half, United were again the better side, but did not create many chances until the arrival of Marouane Fellaini, after which they did not stop creating chances. Fellaini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Jesse Lingard, Rashford and Paul Pogba were all culpable, but so well did they play that a goal seemed inevitable.

Yet they could not score, and as they endeavoured one last opportunity, Ibrahimovic injured his leg; immediately afterwards, the whistle went for the end of normal time, and the end of a thrashing, pumping, thrilling half of football.

Though they would most likely have gone out with the concession of a second away goal, United tore into Anderlecht again in extra-time, crafting a further succession of chances before, in the second minute of its second period, Rashford took possession in the box, took a delicious first touch, paused, found a Cruyff turn out of nowhere, and slid home the winner which capped another fantastic individual performance. What a player he’s going to be; what a player he already is.

So United progress, and at the end of the kind of onslaught for which they were once famed; they will fancy themselves to beat whoever comes next, and if they maintain the same level of aggression, they’ve a chance.

This post was last modified on November 30, 2018 1:57 pm

SoccerNet Editor

Our editorial team at Soccernet.ng boasts over a decade of combined experience in covering Nigerian football, delivering timely news, expert analysis, and engaging content. With a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence, we connect fans to the heart of Nigerian and global football stories.

Share
Published by
SoccerNet Editor

Recent Posts

Kvaratskhelia or Yunus Akgün? Victor Osimhen speaks on his preferred teammate

Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor James Osimhen, refused to pick a side when he… Read More

16 minutes ago

17-year-old Nigeria-eligible defender pens professional deal with Chelsea

Teenage English sensation, Olutayo Peter Subuloye, has penned his first professional contract with two-time UEFA… Read More

3 hours ago

Raphael Onyedika: Club Brugge boss reveals why Super Eagles star was not selected for Union Saint-Gilloise draw

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was not dressed up for Club Brugge's league game against… Read More

3 hours ago

WATCH: Lazio star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru dances in the face of racist insults in Lecce

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became the latest victim of racial abuse in football during Lazio’s… Read More

5 hours ago

“I am satisfied” – Home-based Super Eagles coach confident his side will seal CHAN spot

Head coach of the Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmdede, has backed the home-based Nigerian… Read More

5 hours ago

“Every game is a battle” – Nigeria’s Lookman warns Lazio after firing Atalanta to Empoli win

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has warned Lazio to be ready for battle when the… Read More

5 hours ago