Europa League
Result: Celta Vigo 0-1 Manchester United
Date: 04 May 2017
Venue: Balaídos
Marcus Rashford's superb second-half free-kick was enough to hand Manchester United a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final.
Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini returned to the Red Devils line up, while Chris Smalling was fit enough to make the bench.
It was Celta who carved out the first chance after 10 minutes as Daniel Waas managed to head wide of the upright from close range.
United nearly broke the deadlock in the 19th minute as Rashford cut inside and curled a fine effort towards goal, but Alvarez produced a superb save to deny the striker.
Alvarez came to Celta's rescue once again in the 35th minute as he produced a good save to deny Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a one-on-one situation.
Despite all the pressure from the Red Devils, the score remained goalless as the sides entered the halftime break.
The home side went close to breaking the deadlock in the 58th minute but Sergio Romero produced a finger-tip to keep out Pione Sisto's long range effort.
United eventually broke the deadlock in the 67th minute through Marcus Rashford, who curled home a sublime free-kick from 25-yards out.
Jose Mourinho opted for a double change in the 77th minute as Mkhitaryan and Rashford made way for Ashley Young and Anthony Martial.
The La Liga outfit pushed for an equalising goal in the closing stages while Mourinho threw on Smalling to shut up shop.
Nonetheless, the score remained 1-0 to the Red Devils at the full-time whistle, as they head back to Old Trafford with a vital away goal.
Other semi-final result:
Ajax Amsterdam have one foot in the final after they thumped Olympique Lyon in their first leg tie on Wednesday evening.
