Manchester United Books Europa League Semi-final Ticket
Manchester United booked a Europa League semi-final spot after a comfortable 2-0 victory against Granada at Old Trafford, completing a 4-0 aggregate win.
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes secured a 2-0 first-leg triumph at the Estadio Los Carmenes last week. In the second leg United were without the suspended Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay, and Solskjaer fielded a strong side as he looked to ensure there would be no upset.
United assumed control of the tie once more within six minutes when Paul Pogba flicked on an Alex Telles cross which found Edison Cavani. The Uruguayan volleyed the ball into the bottom corner from inside the box to give his side a dream start.
It was the 413th goal for club and country for Edinson Cavani.
Moments later, Granada’s Yangel Herrera missed two presentable opportunities in quick succession, glancing his header wide from an immediate set-play before missing again midway through the second period when unmarked.
Granada simply lacked the necessary quality in the final third, while United continued to create more chances. Jesus Vallejo’s own goal in the final minute of normal time compounded Granada’s night with the Spaniards missing plenty of opportunities to keep themselves in the tie.
The match finished 2-0 to Manchester United, and they will face Roma following its 3-2 aggregate win over Ajax.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now prepares for his fifth semi-final in two years hoping to go one better than he managed in his previous four, and Roma will provide a much tougher test than Granada.
