Manchester United claimed a crucial 1-0 first-leg victory away to Celta Vigo to put themselves in the driving seat of their Europa League semi-final.
Marcus Rashford’s stunning second-half free-kick sealed the win for Jose Mourinho’s men in Spain, with the away goal making them big favourites to progress to the final next week.
United started brightly at the Balaidos, with Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez the hero of the first half with a series of fine stops, though some will feel the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard could have done better with the chances that came their way.
The home side improved in the second period, with Pione Sisto a particularly lively threat on the left-hand side and forcing a fine save from United ‘keeper Sergio Romero.
Rashford was United’s biggest threat throughout, and should have done better after he led a breakaway in the 62nd minute, only to drag his shot well wide.
Still, the 19-year-old forward more than made up for it with a superb free-kick just five minutes later.
From an angle that looked better suited to the left-footed Daley Blind, Rashford allowed his team-mate to step over the ball before whipping it in to the far corner with all the quality of some of United’s greatest free-kick takers.
Paul Pogba then tried his luck with a free-kick from long range, only to see his audacious attempt end up just wide.
Celta failed to find any urgency late on and United held on to what was ultimately a deserved win and one that surely means they’re on their way into the final barring a disaster at Old Trafford in the return leg next week.
Romero
Did no wrong and nights like this should do his case for being in Stockholm for the final at the expense of David de Gea no harm. Save from Sisto was excellent. 6
Valencia
Another United captain this season and it was a bit more than a tossing the coin night as he defended well when needed. 6
Bailly
Shared the duties of keeping the big powerhouse that is ex-City striker Guidetti quiet with Blind and was never compromised. Just had to be as big and powerful. No problem. 7
Blind
Set piece duties but the Dutchman wasted those that were offered to him. Excellent saving tackle early in second half. Intelligently commanding. 7
Darmian
The Italian didn't get to his man to cut out early Celta cross at source but generally he remained unbreakable. 6
Fellaini
When you are one of your midfield ball winners you don't want to be on a yellow card as early as the 33rd minute but the Belgian can't help himself. 5
Pogba
It has taken a couple of games injured to realise what he gives to United. Never looks back. Always seeking to go forward. Set up great Mkhitaryan chance. 7
Herrera
Designated as the man to do the holding job in midfield in front of defence. At times the game was played in front or behind him and didn't really make an impact. 5
Lingard
Has scored some spectacular goals in his senior career but that was a simpler one in the first half and he botched it. Missed another chance to put Reds 2-0 up. 5
Mkhitaryan
Disappointment considering his back story in Europa League. Been so vital in getting the Reds to the semi-final but he messed up the chance to put them on Easy Street in this one. 4
Rashford
Great early shot and always had Celta defence back-pedalling but could have done with seeing the ball even more. When he saw it for free kick it was a brilliant execution. 8
Substitutes:
Young (sub Mkhitaryan 78) Pulled up injured before he could get into the game. 5
Martial (sub Rashford 79) Did okay. 5
Smalling (sub Young 89) No time to impress. 5
Not used: De Gea, Carrick, Mata, Rooney.
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