Jack Butland failed to deal with a Christian Eriksen corner as he punched the ball into his own net early in the second half. Clement has lamented his side shooting themselves in the foot domestically this term. Those words came to mind here as Butland’s blunder undermined a fine effort from a makeshift Rangers side.
Cyriel Dessers thought he had earned Rangers a point in the last minute of the 90. Fernandes had the last say as the captain stood up when his side needed him.
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Rangers fall just short
The challenge from Clement was for his side to make history. Three decades have passed since the last victory in a Battle of Britain fixture and this was seen as a real opportunity to rewrite the history books. It was, in theory, a good time to be playing Manchester United. If there ever really is such a thing, of course.
The similarities between these two clubs have been noted of late. The gulf between them has never been greater, though, and a look at the respective line-ups – both those that started and the players each boss could introduce – told its own story. This was a huge undertaking for Rangers and the levels reached against Nice and Tottenham Hotspur were not going to be enough to earn a victory here. They did not deserve to lose it like this.
In the end, the task proved beyond Rangers. It was not for the lack of effort but individual mistakes cost Clement’s side. This could have been a night for the ages at the Theatre of Dreams. Ultimately, it was one of regret for Rangers.
Butland blunder on a mixed night
The only real decision that Clement had to make in terms of his selection was not one that he had to deliberate over for too long. Clement will have had to disappoint Liam Kelly but it was the call that had to be made as Butland returned between the sticks following his injury lay-off.
The question over who to select has, for some supporters at least, been influenced a steady cameo from Kelly in recent weeks and a largely solid but not spectacular start to the campaign from Butland. The Englishman is the first choice, though, and he was always likely to return. This was a mixed night.
It took until 36 minutes for United to force Butland into his first real save. A pass from Fernandes found Diallo and Butland blocked well with his legs. A fingertip stop to deny Fernandes came a couple of minutes later.
The mistake that gave United the lead was a howler from Butland. Appeals for a foul in a crowded penalty area were in vain. The punch from Butland was ineffective and inexplicable. It was the sort of mistake you simply cannot make and Butland was thoroughly unconvincing when dealing with crosses. A handful of smart saves were evidence of Butland’s quality but this will be remembered for one moment only.
United show their attacking quality
The pattern of this encounter came as no surprise. Rangers had their moments but it was United who had the majority of the play. Alejandro Garnacho’s effort inside three minutes was a signal of intent and the winger would have a handful more before the break.
-One strike was deflected over and United scored from the resulting corner. A foul from Leny Yoro on Robin Propper was soft on first and second viewing but the decision was never likely to be overturned once Erik Lambrechts had blown his whistle. Garnacho was a regular threat down the United left. On the opposite flank, Amad Diallo showed flashes but couldn’t convert the chance that came his way as Butland saved well.
Garnacho tested James Tavernier in the first half. In the second, it was Ridvan Yilmaz that was his marker as Leon Balogun was forced off through injury. Tavernier moved to centre-back alongside Propper, while Bailey Rice was introduced for Connor Barron.
The makeshift defence was undone by Butland’s error as United took the lead early in the second period. Had a Garnacho strike not been cleared off the line, the game would have been done with half an hour to play. With 15 remaining, Butland saved well from Manuel Ugarte. He was helpless to stop Fernandes winning it as he slotted home from inside the box.
Chances had to be converted
The first opening for Rangers should have resulted in the first goal of the night. Nico Raskin won the ball back, continued his run and collected a pass from Igamane that split the United defence. If only the roles had been reversed. Raskin couldn’t sort out his feet and get his shot away as United were let off the hook.
The same could be said for the next chance just a couple of minutes later. Tavernier picked out Yilmaz as the play was switched from right to left. From a tight angle, Yilmaz could only direct an effort straight at Altay Bayindir. He had to go low across the keeper.
Those were moments to encourage Clement. The remainder of the half passed without Rangers really threatening, though. A couple of corners came to nothing and Bayindir dealt with a speculative Igamane strike from distance.
The task became more difficult. The blueprint had to be redrawn as Leon Balogun and Connor Barron were forced off at the break. After United took the lead, Vaclav Cerny was also injured as Findlay Curtis – just days after his debut against Fraserburgh – entered Old Trafford.
Bayindir held a Jefte drive after Igamane showed strength and resilience to get the ball out of the corner. Dessers dinked Bayindir but saw the ball clip the post. His next chance ended up in the net as he collected a long ball from Tavernier and evaded Harry Maguire before producing a cool and clinical finish to earn Rangers a point.
Rangers can’t silence the Old Trafford crowd
The words of Amorim on Wednesday were intriguing as he spoke about United’s nervousness when they play at home. This is, of course, a demanding crowd and Amorim’s side have failed to meet the expectations of late. That feeling was evident whenever Rangers ventured forward towards the Stretford End as Clement’s side looked to quieten what felt like the only section of the Reds’ support that were making any noise.
Behind the opposite goal, the Rangers fans were making themselves heard. They had descended in their thousands not knowing how or when they will get home again. Those questions could wait. While they were inside Old Trafford, they had a job to do.
Rangers could not get the first goal to really unsettle the home support and ask a different question of Amorim’s side. The Portuguese had the backing of those away to his left. Come the whistle, those in the away end rightly applauded Clement and his side.
