Manchester United vs Celta Vigo: Star man, talking points and best tweet

Jose Mourinho's men progressed to the final in Stockholm but not without a few nervy moments

Thursday 11 May 2017 22:54 BST
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Paul Pogba and his team-mates will face Ajax in the final later this month
Paul Pogba and his team-mates will face Ajax in the final later this month (Getty)

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Manchester United will have the chance to add the Europa League to their bulging trophy cabinet after edging through a frantic, tempestuous semi-final against Celta Vigo.

After 14 matches that have taken Jose Mourinho's men to Holland, Turkey, Ukraine, France, Russia, Belgium and Spain, the long, arduous continental campaign has brought a shot at glory.

Reaching the May 24 finale was far from straightforward, though, as Marouane Fellaini's first-half header was cancelled out by Facundo Roncaglia five minutes from the end of the semi-final second leg.

The drama did not end there as Celta's goalscorer and Eric Bailly were sent off as tempers frayed, with United holding out for a 1-1 draw that saw them reach the Stockholm finale 2-1 on aggregate.

Tweet of the match

Star man

Marcus Rashford: Increasingly seems to be United's man of the moment. The man who scored the winner with a superb free-kick in the first leg made an impressive impact once here again, teeing up Fellaini's goal with a wonderful lofted ball into the box and causing several more problems for the visiting defence.

Talking points

Fellaini back in the good books

Two weeks on from making headlines by being sent off for headbutting Sergio Aguero in the Manchester derby, Fellaini enjoyed some redemption here thanks to an altogether more positive contribution.

He celebrated his goal passionately, punching the air in front of United's fans after pointing to the name on his shirt - and heard it being chanted moments later.

The Belgian has certainly had his share of critics, but there was vociferous appreciation for him from the Old Trafford stands on this occasion.

Nervy for Mourinho

United's task in sealing a spot in the final looked straightforward enough after that 17th minute goal, but their main feeling at the final whistle will surely have been relief.

It was little wonder that boss Jose Mourinho looked tense throughout, with Celta having wasted some wonderful opportunities before scoring late on, and blowing another good chance at the death.

Who's up next?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United - Premier League, May 14

Alaves vs Celta Vigo - La Liga, May 14

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