Rangers 1-3 Manchester United: Player Ratings

Match Summary

Rangers:

• Manager: Giovanni van Bronckhorst
• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Starting XI: McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic; Lundstram, Kamara; Kent, Aribo, Wright; Morelos

Manchester United:

• Manager: Erik ten Hag
• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Starting XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martínez, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Sancho, Fernandes, Antony; Rashford

Goals:

• Rangers: Morelos (53')
• Manchester United: Antony (38', 70'), Rashford (49')

Match Report

In a thrilling encounter at Ibrox, Manchester United emerged victorious over Rangers in the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg.

After a cautious opening, the visitors took the lead through a superb solo goal from Antony. The Brazilian winger cut inside from the right, dribbling past two defenders before finding the bottom corner with a precise left-footed shot.

Rangers responded well, but they were caught out by a quick counterattack just before half-time. Marcus Rashford raced onto a through ball and calmly slotted home to double United's advantage.

After the break, the hosts showed great determination and pulled one back through Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian striker latched onto a loose ball in the box and fired it past David de Gea.

However, Antony restored United's two-goal lead with a stunning long-range effort that flew into the top corner.

Player Ratings

Rangers:

• Allan McGregor (6.5): Made some good saves, but could not prevent United's goals.
• James Tavernier (6.0): Solid defensively, but offered little going forward.
• Connor Goldson (6.0): Had a solid game, but was caught out by Rashford for the second goal.
• Calvin Bassey (6.5): Impressive defensively, nullifying Antony's threat in the second half.
• Borna Barisic (5.5): Struggled defensively, allowing Sancho to cause problems.
• John Lundstram (6.0): Worked hard in midfield, but lacked creativity.
• Glen Kamara (5.5): Quiet game, failing to impose himself on the match.
• Ryan Kent (6.5): Showed flashes of brilliance, but was well-marshalled by Dalot.
• Joe Aribo (7.0): Rangers' best player, causing problems with his dribbling and passing.
• Fashion Sakala (5.5): Ineffective on the left wing, failing to create any chances.
• Alfredo Morelos (7.0): Scored a vital goal, but also missed some good chances.

Manchester United:

• David de Gea (6.5): Solid in goal, making some important saves.
• Diogo Dalot (7.0): Excellent defensively, keeping Kent quiet all game.
• Raphaël Varane (7.0): Commanded the defense, winning aerial duels and making crucial tackles.
• Lisandro Martínez (7.5): Impressive in possession, playing out from the back with confidence.
• Tyrell Malacia (6.5): Strong defensively, but did not offer much going forward.
• Casemiro (7.0): Controlled the midfield, winning the ball back and disrupting Rangers' attacks.
• Christian Eriksen (7.5): Dictated the tempo of the game, creating chances and controlling possession.
• Jadon Sancho (7.0): Caused problems with his dribbling and passing, nearly scoring on several occasions.
• Bruno Fernandes (7.5): Another impressive performance, providing assists for both Antony's goals.
• Antony (8.0): Man of the match, scoring two superb goals and causing constant problems.
• Marcus Rashford (7.5): Scored a crucial second goal and looked dangerous throughout.

Key Statistics:

• Possession: Rangers 46%, Manchester United 54%
• Shots: Rangers 13, Manchester United 16
• Shots on target: Rangers 4, Manchester United 7
• Corners: Rangers 4, Manchester United 7
• Fouls: Rangers 12, Manchester United 10

Tactical Analysis

Rangers:

Van Bronckhorst's team played a high-pressing game, but they were unable to sustain it for long periods. United's superior quality in midfield allowed them to control the game and create chances at will.

Manchester United:

Ten Hag's side showed great tactical discipline, pressing high and effectively countering Rangers' attacks. They also played out from the back with confidence, creating chances through their wing-backs and midfielders.

Stories

Antony the Star of the Show

Brazilian winger Antony was United's standout performer on the night. His two goals were both stunning, showcasing his exceptional dribbling and shooting ability. The 22-year-old has quickly become a key player for United, and his performance against Rangers proved why.

Rashford's Resurgence

Marcus Rashford continued his impressive form with another goal against Rangers. The English forward has scored 17 goals in his last 22 appearances for United, and he is now one of their most important players. Rashford's pace and finishing ability were a constant threat to Rangers' defense.

Lessons Learned

• High-pressing tactics can be effective, but they need to be sustained for long periods.
• Superior quality in midfield can dominate games and create chances.
• Playing out from the back with confidence can lead to chances being created.

Pros and Cons

Rangers:

• Pros:
  • High-pressing game can be effective
  • Good team spirit
• Cons:
  • Lack of quality in midfield
  • Unable to sustain pressing for long periods

Manchester United:

• Pros:
  • Superior quality in midfield
  • Good tactical discipline
  • Confidence in playing out from the back
• Cons:
  • Can be vulnerable to counterattacks

FAQs

1. Who was the man of the match?
   - Antony
2. What was the score?
   - Rangers 1-3 Manchester United
3. Who scored the goals for Rangers?
   - Alfredo Morelos
4. Who scored the goals for Manchester United?
   - Antony (2), Marcus Rashford
5. What was the possession percentage?
   - Rangers 46%, Manchester United 54%
6. Who had more shots on target?
   - Manchester United (7)

Conclusion

Manchester United took a big step towards the UEFA Europa League final with a convincing win over Rangers. Antony and Rashford were the standout performers for the visitors, while Morelos scored a consolation goal for the hosts. Rangers will need to produce a major comeback in the second leg at Old Trafford if they are to progress to the final.