Marcus Rashford scored a 107th-minute winner as Manchester United booked their place in the semifinals of the Europa League with a 2-1 win against Anderlecht after extra-time at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho bemoaned his side’s lack of killer instinct in front of goal following last week’s first leg and it was almost their downfall again as Rashford, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba all went close in a game in which United had the better chances.
But Rashford, who made his name in this competition last season, scored one goal and made another in a fine display as United ensured their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League through the Europa League continued.
They took a 10th-minute lead when Pogba’s excellent through ball found Rashford in space on the left-wing and he cut back for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to fire home from inside the area.
But Anderlecht were level on 32 minutes. Youri Tielemans struck the crossbar with a powerfully struck long-range effort, before Sofiane Hanni reacted quickest to poke the rebound past Sergio Romero from close range.
Rashford, Pogba and Ibrahimovic all went close after the break as United searched in vain for a winning goal but a mixture of wayward finishing and dogged defending from the visitors kept them at bay and ensured extra-time would be played.
Ibrahimovic, injured in the final action of added time at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, hobbled down the tunnel to be replaced by Anthony Martial.
United continued to put Anderlecht under pressure without reward before Rashford got on the end of a Marouane Fellaini knockdown to shoot low past Anderlecht goalkeeper Ruben and seal a dramatic win.
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