Rangers manager Philippe Clement expressed his disappointment after his team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Clement believes his side “deserved more” from the match.
Manchester United secured a dramatic victory with Bruno Fernandes scoring a decisive goal in the 92nd minute. The Portuguese midfielder latched onto a precise cross from Lisandro Martinez to clinch three crucial points for the home side.
Rangers had fought back valiantly just minutes earlier, with Cyriel Dessers producing a stunning finish into the bottom corner to level the score. This goal nullified United’s lead, which had come courtesy of a Jack Butland own-goal seven minutes after the break.
Key Moments of the Match:
- Equalizer: Cyriel Dessers‘ clinical strike in the 88th minute gave Rangers hope.
- United’s Winner: Bruno Fernandes’ late heroics sealed the win for Manchester United.
- Rangers’ Resilience: Despite missing several senior players, Rangers showed determination and grit.
Clement was forced to field several young players in the absence of key squad members. Despite their lack of experience at this level, the manager felt his team had done enough to earn a point.
“Going 1-0 down against Manchester United can easily dent confidence, especially with so many young players on the pitch,” Clement told RangersTV. “However, we kept pushing and scored a fantastic goal. It’s unfortunate to concede so late, as a draw would have been a fair outcome.”
Impressive Second-Half Performance
Rangers matched United in attacking intent during the second half, registering six shots compared to United’s eight and creating two significant opportunities. Clement praised his team’s resilience and efforts in the face of adversity.
“We created chances after falling behind, and I can’t fault the players’ effort,” he added. “They gave everything, and it’s disappointing not to have been rewarded. The result could have changed the entire mood.”
Despite the setback, Clement acknowledged the positives from the match and emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming fixture against Dundee United.
“We need to regroup and shift our attention to Sunday. There’s no time to dwell on this; we must prepare well and be ready for the challenge ahead.”
Rangers will aim to bounce back as they return to domestic action, hoping to build on their promising display against a formidable Manchester United side.
