Clement left with mixed emotions as Rangers suffer Old Trafford heartbreak

Philippe Clement was left with mixed emotions after his Rangers side suffered a heartbreaking late defeat to Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday.

Jack Butland’s comedy own goal had Rangers up against it at Old Trafford before Alejandro Garnacho hit the post and Harry Maguire wastefully headed wide.

But a depleted Rangers, who had eight first-teamers unavailable and had to bring teenagers Bailey Rice and Findlay Curtis off the bench, thought they had snatched a late point through Cyriel Dessers’ expertly taken equaliser.

It was not to be, though, as United captain Fernandes netted a fine goal of his own to secure a 2-1 win for Ruben Amorim’s side.

Gers boss Clement was proud of his team’s effort but could not help rueing such a late setback.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “It’s very mixed feelings at the moment, in that we are gutted that we lost because we play games to win.

“The team wanted to do something special here, they were very close to doing that and for sure in these circumstances with injuries and the players we missed (it was difficult).

“But I’m also very proud of our mentality, the way they followed the plan, we were brave on the ball and created chances, we didn’t just defend.

“There were a lot of positives but we are disappointed with the result because we always want to win.”

Full-Time: Man Utd 2-1 Rangers | #UEL

A narrow defeat at Old Trafford. pic.twitter.com/adl5apndEa

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 23, 2025

Speaking about the absences from his squad, Clement added: “We missed today eight players who can be in the starting 11, that’s a lot.

“Then we had two injuries and have to put players out of position also. I cannot ask more than what they gave today,

“We can talk about details and mistakes where we gave away goals or that we had chances and didn’t convert them.

“It was a really great experience for several young players but we want to win.”