Fernandes hands Manchester United dramatic victory over Rangers

Butland’s nightmare return

Already shorn of John Souttar, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Ianis Hagi, Danilo and Oscar Cortes, Rangers had to cope with three more injuries as Leon Balogun and Connor Barron did not appear for the second half and Vaclav Cerny limped off on the hour mark.

Clement had to throw on two 18-year-olds with barely any first team experience in Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis.

Yet, they were ultimately only beaten by a huge error from one of their most experienced players.

Jack Butland did not play for United during a spell with the Red Devils in 2023.

The former England international goalkeeper endured a nightmare return as he punched Amad Diallo’s corner into his own net to break the deadlock.

United failed to press home the advantage as Garnacho fired a glorious chance off the post from close range.

And they could have been punished as Dessers smashed home after Harry Maguire got caught underneath a long ball.

Not for the first time this season, Fernandes rode to United’s rescue with the one moment of quality in a scrappy game when he cushioned Lisandro Martinez’s cross through Butland’s legs.

Rangers are still set to at least make the playoff round and have an outside chance at making the top eight if they beat Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox next week.

United travel to Romanian side FCSB with a point likely enough to secure place in the last 16.