FT- Granada 0-2 Manchester United
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes looked to have surely booked Manchester United a semi final place as the Red Devils did the job in Granada.
Sub edited by Ciaran Coyle
Embed from Getty ImagesThe first and only piece of pure brilliance on the night came when the Red Devils took the lead on the half hour mark. Blink and you’d of missed it, just like the TV cameras did, as a brilliant pass from Victor Lindelöf floated over the heads of the defenders to be met by a breath-taking touch by Marcus Rashford on the run as plucked the ball dead on the end of his foot and calmly slotted past Rui Silva.
The hosts took no part in the game until that point with United controlling possession. However, the goal forced the hosts to become more adventurous as they showed their teeth late on in the half. Several corners, which ultimately come to nothing, were followed by a cross come shot by Yangel Herrera that hit the outside of the post.
A second half void of chances did eventually see its second goal and the clincher on the night for the visitors. In added time, Bruno Fernandes was awarded a penalty after a coming together in the box with Yan Eteki. Fernandes picked himself up and saw his penalty squirm underneath Rui Silva after he seemed to get both hands behind the tamely struck penalty.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side weren’t inspiring, but they got the job done in Andalusia to set up what he will hope is a straight forward second leg. Avoid what would be a huge upset in the second leg and the Red Devils will be comfortably through to their second Europa League semi-final in as many years.