Marcus Rashford scored a stunning free-kick to hand Manchester United a decisive one-goal lead in their Europa League semifinal against Celta Vigo.
Manchester United were the better of the two sides throughout the match as they created several clear cut goalscoring opportunities. But, as has been the case this season, they weren’t clinical enough to convert those chances to grab a tie-clinching lead.
As the match wore on, it was looking increasingly likely that it would take a special effort to break the deadlock and that is exactly what happened. Midway through the second-half Manchester United won a free kick on the edge of the Celta Vigo box which Rashford curled in superbly past Sergio Alvarez.
That goal gave Manchester United a one-goal lead in the tie and, more crucially, a vital away goal heading into the second leg next week. Here are the best tweets that emerged in the aftermath of Manchester United’s win on Thursday.
FT: Celta 0 #MUFC 1.
Rashford’s brilliant free-kick gives us a valuable away goal to take back to Old Trafford. Advantage United! #UEL pic.twitter.com/frNIX4UTWd
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 4, 2017
Celta Vigo 0-1 Man Utd FT:
Shots: 9-10
Pass accuracy: 8-5
Chances created: 78%-73%
Possession: 52%-48%Rashford makes the difference. pic.twitter.com/8kQ4Wxt88g
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 4, 2017
Manchester United are now 9 games unbeaten in the #UEL (W7 D2) ?? pic.twitter.com/PWUArbe9gH
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 4, 2017
Man Utd have now won their last 6 semi-final games in UEFA competition:
WWWWWW
Goals: 12
Conceded: 2Trip to Spain? No problem. ? pic.twitter.com/lONn9rjJs9
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 4, 2017
Sergio Romero for Man Utd across all competitions this season:
15 games ?
10 clean sheets ⛔️
5 goals conceded ⚽️Able deputy. pic.twitter.com/XNHg3KnPGh
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 4, 2017
Manchester United fans were ecstatic as the Red Devils seized control of the tie on Thursday:
Fully expecting this to happen after the final whistle blows in the second-leg against Celta Vigo. pic.twitter.com/tHr4Skmudl
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) May 4, 2017
So Celta weren’t a very good team after all ?
Disappointing we didn’t score more but a definitely in pole position for leg 2 ?????— Michael Barton (@mrmichaelbarton) May 4, 2017
@ManUtd Another game another win. I’ve forgotten what losing feels like. pic.twitter.com/fje9cw43fM
— José (@MourinhoMindset) May 4, 2017
@ManUtd satisfied with the game!! Celta is shook but we did it ?
— blair (@slayingrojo) May 4, 2017
@ManUtd @paulpogba Can’t wait for next week. OT will be buzzin.
— Selena (@MancSel) May 4, 2017
Paul Pogba’s return was greeted by Manchester United fans as he controlled the game beautifully:
Paul Pogba’s game by numbers vs. Celta Vigo:
100% take-ons completed
49 passes
5 take-ons
3 interceptions
3 clearances
2 shots— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 4, 2017
@ManUtd @paulpogba Rashford might win this, but Paul is my man for tonight ?
— sha. (@CapikaJeni) May 4, 2017
@ManUtd @paulpogba Played absolutely amazing Paul Pogba, doesn’t have to score goals or assist to show the class he has
— JP (@_JPlaza) May 4, 2017
@ManUtd @paulpogba I can see how Pogba is starting to adapt and every little bit of freedom he’s getting from Mou looks sweet
— JP (@_JPlaza) May 4, 2017
Pogba worth a mention. Very gd in central midfield. If he had more forwards who could finish ahead of him he’d have a high assists total
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) May 4, 2017
Pogba brings the stability to our midfield. If you fail to see that you’re beyond hope. Absolutely world class player.
— ASHLEY YOUNG MUFC (@DillanMUFC) May 4, 2017
Pogba quite clearly the best player on the pitch tonight. Another stellar game but couldn’t add any assists due to poor finishing.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) May 4, 2017
Pogba has been immense tonight, absolutely superb. Brilliant result for Utd.
— Pilib de Brún (@Malachians) May 4, 2017
Job half done!
Pogba has been the stand out player today
Beautiful from Rash and a well organized defence??
Halfway to Stockholm❤#mufc #UEL— Pulkit Nagar (@pulkit97nagar) May 4, 2017
@ManUtd @paulpogba Paul pogba played well tonight totally bossed the midfield using his sheer strength and pace
— Pogboom (@pog_boom1993) May 4, 2017
And of course, Marcus Rashford was the toast of Twitter as he handed Manchester United the crucial away-goal lead:
1️⃣9️⃣ @ManUtd goals for @MarcusRashford… his first from outside the box!
? #UEL STATS ? https://t.co/m1SHHgoesV pic.twitter.com/4rYZW6pLLY
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 4, 2017
Marcus Rashford’s game by numbers vs. Celta Vigo:
85% pass acc.
3 shots
2 shots on target
2 blocks
1 stunning free-kickDifference maker. pic.twitter.com/dtx6SGW15P
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 4, 2017
Striiiikeeeeeeeee from man of the moment @MarcusRashford 0-1 @ManUtd #UEL #CELMUN
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 4, 2017
Marcus Rashford’s free-kick goal against Celta Vigo! #MUFC
— United Vines (@UnitedVines__) May 4, 2017
@ManUtd pic.twitter.com/B13BcPwSal
— Yose (@YodaFath) May 4, 2017
@ManUtd Rashford’s statue outside the Old Trafford pic.twitter.com/7kVjxngJg8
— Sam (@JuanderfuI) May 4, 2017
José doing Rashford’s homework (again) as a reward for his goal…#EuropaLeague #CELMUN pic.twitter.com/m7sfEL6rtY
— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) May 4, 2017
Superb from Rashford. Absolutely sensational. 19 years old and steps up to take @ManUtd‘s freekicks ahead of Pogba et al. He’s got it all.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) May 4, 2017
Beckham’s last goal for United
vs
Rashford’s latest goal for United. pic.twitter.com/ngF8rLDdIU
— Jose ‘Judas’ fan (@SemperFiUnited) May 4, 2017