Manchester United managed to secure their admission into the Europa League finals last night, but they didn’t make it easy for themselves. Leading 1-0 from their first meeting with Celta Vigo, Manchester United were in the perfect position to take advantage of playing at Old Trafford, but that didn’t stop the Spanish side from making an attacking start which made the hosts look a little rattled and unsteady from the kick off.
Marouane Fellaini managed to settle the nerves of on looking fans and put United in the firing line for the final as he headed home a cross from Rashford, who scored a wonder free kick in the first leg of the tie.
Chances were scarce in the second half and it wasn’t until the 87th minute that Celta took their opportunity to get the first of two goals they needed to overcome the ‘red devils’. Due to some sloppy defending, an unmarked Roncaglia flicked a looping header over United’s goalkeeper and into the far corner.
Tempers were flying high as there was some scrapping in the middle of the pitch. Baily & Roncaglia, just minutes after scoring Celta’s goal, were both sent off. The heated exchange continued as the players headed for the tunnel, and even some of the coaching staff got involved.
The announcement of 6 added minutes was greeted with a negative reception from Manchester United fans, as they desperately watched their team try and run down the clock. Their efforts may have been pointless as Celta pushed forward for one final attack in the last minute of the game. John Guidetti found himself in front of an open net as a low cross fired across to six yard box, to which he swiped hopelessly at after getting his legs in a tangle. The missed opportunity would have put his side through on aggregate.
After crawling into the final, José Mourinho will be more than happy after announcing that winning the Europa League final is their only way into the Champions League next season, as they currently sit in 6th in the Premier League.
Manchester United face Ajax, who faced their own battles in a 3-1 defeat against Lyon, but managed to go through on aggregate. The final will be held at the Friends Arena in the heart of Stockholm, 24th May.
