“3/10 Disaster: Blunder Costs Rangers in 2-0 Loss to Manchester United – A Woeful Display, Action Needed

“3/10 Disaster: Blunder Costs Rangers in 2-0 Loss to Manchester United – A Woeful Display, Action Needed

Rangers were heartbreakingly defeated 2-1 by Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday, with a last-minute goal from Bruno Fernandes sealing the win at Old Trafford.

The match began promisingly for Rangers on January 23, but Jack Butland’s unfortunate error gave United the lead when he accidentally punched a corner into his own net.

However, Cyriel Dessers equalized in the 88th minute, shrugging off Harry Maguire to score. But just as Rangers seemed set to secure a point, Fernandes volleyed in a stoppage-time goal to give United the win.

Here’s how the Rangers players were rated for their performances:

Jack Butland – 3 Butland returned to the starting lineup after a six-game absence, making an early save from Amad Diallo. However, his attempted punch from a corner went horribly wrong and resulted in an own goal. Though he made additional saves to deny Manuel Ugarte and Alejandro Garnacho, the blunder overshadowed his other efforts.

James Tavernier – 7 Tavernier was a constant threat down the right flank, linking up with Vaclav Cerny and providing dangerous set-pieces. When forced to shift to center-back following Leon Balogun’s injury, he still managed to provide a beautiful assist for Dessers’ equalizer.

Nico Raskin – 7 Raskin had an early opportunity to score but couldn’t convert, although he later made up for it by heading Garnacho’s effort off the bar. He also took on a more defensive role in the second half, stepping up after Connor Barron was injured.

Vaclav Cerny (off for Findlay Curtis, 60′) – 6 Cerny made his way into the starting XI and looked to cut inside from the right, although he was limited in the first half. He had a decent strike saved from distance in the second half but was forced off due to injury while Rangers were trailing 1-0.

Robin Propper – 5 Propper was fortunate not to concede a goal following a challenge in the box, but he did make a crucial block to deny Bruno Fernandes early in the second half. His overall performance was solid but not without flaws.

Jefte – 4 Jefte had a limited impact going forward and struggled defensively. He did manage a good shot from range that forced a save, but he was booked for fouling Amad and was later caught out when he lost Fernandes at the far post for the winning goal.

Connor Barron (off for Ross McCausland, 45′) – 6 Barron was his usual industrious self in midfield, but an injury late in the first half forced him off the pitch. It was a disappointing end to his rare start, as he had to leave the game with a potential ligament injury.

Nedim Bajrami (off for Cyriel Dessers, 71′) – 4 Bajrami struggled to impose himself after an initial attempt to link up with his teammates. His performance dipped in the second half, and he was substituted for Dessers after failing to make an impact.

Ridvan Yilmaz (off for Leon King, 90′) – 6 Yilmaz was a threat on the left side in the first half, nearly scoring a volley that was saved by Bayindir. He was forced to play right-back in the second half, where he had to make some important defensive clearances.

Hamza Igamane – 7 Igamane showed his class early with a few attempts on goal, including a deflected shot that almost found the bottom corner. He also made a key clearance off the line from a United corner, sparking a counter-attack for Rangers.

Substitutes:

Ross McCausland (on for Connor Barron, 45′) – 5 McCausland was deployed on the left flank but found himself often dropping back into a deeper role rather than pushing forward.

Bailey Rice (on for Leon Balogun, 45′) – 7 Rice came on as a replacement for Balogun and impressed with his ability to get forward. He provided two excellent crosses into the box and had an encouraging performance, despite the loss.

Findlay Curtis (on for Vaclav Cerny, 60′) – 5 Curtis was introduced due to Cerny’s injury and worked hard in the midfield, though his impact was somewhat limited in a game that was slipping away from Rangers.

Cyriel Dessers (on for Nedim Bajrami, 71′) – 8 Dessers was a lively presence after coming on, hitting a shot off the post and later scoring a stunning equalizer with a left-footed strike past Bayindir. His goal sparked wild celebrations among the Rangers fans, even if it was short-lived due to the late winner from United.

Leon King (on for Ridvan Yilmaz, 90′) – N/A

In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd criticized one aspect of the team’s performance on Sky Sports following the match.