Man Utd Beat Granada 2-0, Marcus Rashford And Bruno Fernandes Score Important Goals

JAKARTA - Manchester United picked up two important away goals after beating Granada 2-0 in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals at the Nuevo Los Carmenes Stadium in Granada, Spain, Thursday local time (Friday, western Indonesia time).

Marcus Rashford opened the Red Devils' lead in the 31st minute after chasing a long pass from Victor Lindelof, controlling the ball before tricking goalkeeper Rui Silva into the right corner of the net, UEFA's official website notes.

Rashford is following in the footsteps of his compatriot Bruno Fernandes as the fourth Premier League player to score 20 or more goals in all competitions this season after Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane (29) and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah (27).

The hosts almost scored in the 40th minute when a free-kick was blocked by Yangel Herrera, who had already beaten goalkeeper David de Gea, but the ball still hit the post.

Four minutes later, Granada threatened again but this time Kenedy's volley in a corner went straight into De Gea's arms.

MU's second half was more in control but were unable to double the lead, with their goal threatened in the 67th minute when Kenedy broke into the box but his shot was easily defused by De Gea.

In the 83rd minute, Daniel James led MU's counterattack, but his pull-back that Bruno Fernandes was trying to complete was deflected by Silva and the ball was swept away by Jesus Vallejo.

At the end of normal time, MU finally sealed their 2-0 win through Fernandes' penalty after he was fouled by Yan Eteki inside the restricted area.

The win is clearly a positive capital for MU who will next play host at Old Trafford for the second leg on Thursday next week.