Whilst their top four dreams remain up in the air approaching the business end of the season, Manchester United may just find an alternative route to Champions League football after an extra time Marcus Rashford goal ensured a 2-1 Quarter Final Europa League victory over Anderlecht last night.
Sadly for the FA Cup holders, a potential season-ending injury to talisman Ibrahimovic, not to mention another injury to defender Rojo, left an ugly footnote on a successful evening.
The two sides shared the spoils 1-1 in their opening first leg encounter, despite that score line, the Red Devil’s felt confident going into the Old Trafford return fixture. Saying that the Belgians certainly made them sweat.
Henrikh Mkihitaryan settled the nerves with an effort after just 10 minutes. The visitors struck back on the half hour mark when Sofiane Hanni converted from close range – setting Old Trafford up for a tough old evening overall.
United pushed for a winner from there out, however, both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba were guilty of bad misses. In the end is was to be a cursed evening for the inimitable Swede after landing awkwardly and injuring his knee in ugly fashion.
Zlatan’s exit led to the introduction of Anthony Martial, in the end, a genius move for Mourinho as Marcus Rashford, the golden boy in recent weeks, was quickly moved to the central striker position.
Indeed the 19-year old sent the home contingent wild after firing home superbly in the second half of extra time.
The likes of Lyon, Ajax and Celta Vigo now await United in the Semi Final.