Celta Vigo 0 Manchester United 1: Marcus Rashford scores stunning free-kick to hand visitors vital away goal

A GLORIOUS Marcus Rashford free-kick handed Manchester United a crucial away goal as they moved a step closer to the Europa League final.

The boy wonder curled in a stunning strike on 67 minutes after the visitors squandered a host of glorious chances.

It has given the Red Devils a firm grip on the semi-final but Jose Mourinho will feel his side should have put the game to bed.

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It was the home side who had first opening of the match when Daniel Wass headed wide when it looked easier to score.

With Paul Pogba dominating the midfield, Manchester United piled on the pressure and should have been at least two goals ahead at half-time but for keeper Sergio Alvarez.

First Rashford was denied with a curling effort before Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed United's best chance when his strike was well saved after being put through on goal.

Alvarez then made his third big stop of the half when he denied England international Jesse Lingard.

United stopper Sergio Romero had to be alert on 60 minutes when he tipped Pione Sisto's dipping effort over the crossbar.

And then it was Rashford's time to shine when his free-kick from 25 yards flew out the reach of Alvarez much to the delight of Mourinho on the touchline.

United's know-how and experience saw the game out but they still have work to do at Old Trafford in 10 days time.

FACTS, STATS, GOALS & LOLS

• Some say you can’t give away half-and-half scarves. Celta were doing just that before this game which meant plenty were wearing freebies in the crowd.
• Sergio Romero was making his TENTH appearance in the Europa League this season. Some might see it as an audition for next season if David De Gea moves.
• Not a bad 7-a-side team on the United bench. De Gea; Young, Carrick, Smalling; Mata, Martial; Rooney.

• Marouane Fellaini was back in the team and back in the ref’s book. The big-haired Belgian, banned for domestic matches, got a yellow for an aerial clash.
• It was Poggy In The Middle after Paul Pogba’s two games out through injury. Plenty went through him and his ball for Henrikh Mkhitaryan was perfect.
• Sergio Alvarez was the star of the first half with his saves to deny Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. That kept Celta in the game.

• Great soundtrack at Balaidos. AC/DC before kick-off and players emerging from the interval to the A-Team theme. Jose Mourinho, United’s Hannibal, loves it when a plan comes together.
• Mourinho went marching down the touchline when Marcus Rashford scored the opener, punching the air and cupping his ear.
• Rashford has been on set-pieces recently, taking corners too. He showed why with his second-half belter.
• John Guidetti was trying to whip up the crowd himself. The Swede has a point to prove after not getting a chance to shine at City.

SOCIAL SAYS

DREAM TEAM RATINGS

Manchester United: Romero 6, Valencia 7, Bailly 7, Blind 6, Darmian 7, Herrera 7, Fellaini 6, Pogba 8, Lingard 6, Mkhitaryan 7 (Young 78, 6, Smalling 89, 6), Rashford 7 (Martial 80, 5)
Subs not used: De Gea, Carrick, Mata, Rooney
Booked: Fellaini, Pogba
Goals: Rashford (67)
STAR MAN: PAUL POGBA

WHAT THEY SAID

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho: "I am very pleased with the performance but not with the result.

"At half time should have been three or at least two but the result is open.

"We played well enough to have result closed but we have to go and play at Old Trafford.

"Let's hope Old Trafford want us to win because when Old Trafford wants it, we win".