To think, Philippe Clement’s valiant Rangers side were about two minutes away from a night of unbridled positives at Manchester United in the Europa League on a topsy-turvy Thursday.
Not only were they on the verge of a famous and hard-earned point at Old Trafford, Rangers could also celebrate a ‘sensational’ Cyriel Dessers strike – one which looked like pulling a result out of the bag in the most dramatic of circumstances – as well as a couple of highly-impressive cameos from teen sensations Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis.
Bruno Fernandes’ 92nd minute heroics would, however, ensure that this was a tale of ‘so close yet so far’ from a Rangers outfit with a history of bloodying the noses of the continent’s big boys.
Though Philippe Clement was in no mood to wallow in pity.
Despite Fernandes’ dagger-through-the-heart contributions in stoppage time, this was still a performance to be proud of. A night of redemption for a few of the Ibrox massive.
Just last week, Dessers cast doubt on his Rangers future, admitting that he planned to hold showdown talks with the club bosses after falling to third in the pecking order and attracting interest from abroad. Since he made those comments, the striker has four goals in two games, including one solo stunner at Old Trafford.
And while Jack Butland may have gifted Man United the lead in calamitous circumstances – he somehow contrived the punch the ball backwards into his own net under pressure from young Toby Collyer – a few fine saves thereafter, particularly from Manuel Ugarte, ensured the goalkeeper would go from zero to hero in the very same half.
He was, to quote Rangers captain James Tavernier at full-time, ‘fantastic’ at times, ‘incredible’ at others. Butland was the reason why Man United went in front, yes, but he was also the reason why the scoreline stayed a 1-0 until Dessers popped up at the other end.
Philippe Clement backs Jack Butland despite Rangers error in Manchester United loss
“[The Man United goals] were two actions that we can do better or we should do better. On the other side, Jack saved us also a few times in the second half. That’s the life of a goalkeeper,” Clement reflected in his post-match press conference.
“So I’m not going to be focused solely on [the mistakes]. I think there are so many positive points.
“What the team did with the ball, playing at Manchester United in the circumstances that we are in at the moment, to be that brave on the ball also and creating that much, I think it’s a very positive sign.
“[Dessers] did really well and he showed again his great mentality. What he showed for every second that I’ve been in the building. I never saw a different Cyriel in any circumstances.
“Of course you know you score a very good goal and then you see that it’s not the decisive one, otherwise he would have been the hero and we spoke about that. People could become heroes today, so [Dessers was] really close to becoming a hero.”
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Clement sees the positives as Rangers remain in Europa League contention
There would be no Superman script for the oft-criticised Nigeria international at Old Trafford. But, still, for a few brief moments, Dessers gave the travelling Rangers support the sort of feeling which makes football’s kick-in-the-groin moments worth bearing.
“I saw everybody got it in the dressing room disappointed that we lost after playing that kind of game,” Clement adds. “I’m also [disappointed], clearly because you want to win. You want to take the points that you deserve also.
“But on the other side, and that [feeling is] maybe stronger now, I’m also very proud of what the team did, about sticking to the plan, following the tactics all the way, also with really young players coming on the pitch.
“We had to make two changes in half-time, putting players in positions that they normally don’t play. There were so many circumstances, but the team stayed compact, they stayed well-organised and they stayed brave on the ball because we created enough chances.
“A lot of positives also with this young group. With eight players who could be in the starting XI who were not here today, with really young lads coming on the pitch and throwing themselves for the colours of the club.
“And also the other experienced guys around them supporting them all the way. So those are very positive signs also.”
