Rashford puts final in Red Devils’ sights

Marcus Rashford’s splendid free-kick secured Manchester United a hardfought 1-0 win at Celta Vigo to edge Jose Mourinho’s men closer to the Europa League final.

England’s last European representatives have travelled far and wide in their attempt to win the only major continental trophy to have eluded them in their success-laden history.

Europa League glory also offers a route back to the Champions League – an increasingly important option given their Premier League struggles – and Mourinho’s men are in the driving seat of their semi-final after Rashford’s fine free-kick secured a win at Celta.

The away goal could prove crucial in next week’s return fixture at Old Trafford, where the Spanish side face an uphill battle to progress from their first major European semi-final.

Daniel Wass had given United an early scare, but the visitors edged the first half, with Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez staying strong to thwart Rashford, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard.

Sergio Romero did well to deny Pione Sisto as Celta threatened to punish United’s all too familiar lack of killer instinct, only for Rashford to step up to the plate yet again.

Having sent United through to semi-final with his extra-time strike against Anderlecht, the 19-year-old settled the first leg with a second-half free-kick that sent the away support – and United boss Mourinho, who danced along the touchline punching the air.