UEFA Europa League semifinals, Manchester United 1-1 Celta Vigo (Agg: 2-1): 5 talking points

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 11:  Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides first goal with team mates during the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Marouane Fellaini scored a thumping header to take Manchester United into the final

The second leg of the Europa League semifinal between Manchester United and Celta Vigo had almost everything. A goal for the Red Devils in the first half was followed by a resurgence from the Celta side who never were in any mood of giving up. They kept up the pressure right up until the end and were rewarded with a goal in the 84th minute but still needed one more to get through to the final.

United held on but must thank the Gods as John Guidetti missed an absolute sitter in the 96th minute which could have completed a sensational comeback. Old Trafford witnessed a cagey performance from the home side but were given a sigh of relief after Marouane Fellaini scored the opener. The match also included a brawl which saw the goalscorer for Celta, Facundo Roncaglia and Eric Bailly sent off for literally punching blows on one another.

Right here, let's take a look at the five important talking points from a brilliant match that happened at Old Trafford which was dubbed as "the most important in the club's history" by Jose Mourinho.

#1 Manchester United were the second best team in the tie

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 11:  Paul Pogba of Manchester United is chased  by Nemanja Radoja of Celta Vigo   during the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
United were given a run for their money by Celta Vigo

In a game of utmost importance for Manchester United, it was Celta Vigo who looked eager from the word go and were sharp in possession and off it too. And at times, it looked as if it was the Galicians who wanted it more than Jose Mourinho's men as the Red Devils were looking second best despite resting their main men in the weekend clash against Arsenal.

But Fellaini's goal which came at a crucial time changed the complexion of the game as Mourinho decided to shut shop for the umpteenth time this season after the early goal. They invited pressure on to themselves and had to endure some tough phases in the second half. Celta enjoyed 67% of the possession but failed to cut open this United backline which proved to be the deciding factor in the second leg.

A match on which United's entire season hinged on was in the end effectively handled by the manager who now has a crack at the final to win a trophy for the Red Devils which they have never quite taken seriously until this season. And Manchester United know that they have an able man to lead them in the final who has won 11 of his 13 cup finals since his Porto days.

#2 Marcus Rashford steps up yet again

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 11:  Marcus Rashford of Manchester United runs at Facundo Roncaglia of Celta Vigo during the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford provided an inch-perfect cross for Fellaini to head home

In Zlatan Ibrahimovic's absence, the onus was on the 19-year-old Rashford to step up and be the man to lead United's frontline. And he did just that with performances that could be said of being beyond his years. After scoring a sumptuous free-kick in the first leg, Rashford turned provider this time as he received the ball on the left and delivered a delicious delivery far into the box where Fellaini was ready to pounce. The Belgian made no mistake and eventually ensured United's passage into the final.

But the credit for a well-made goal goes to Rashford who has now scored or assisted his side's last four goals in the Europa League. He also had a chance to score one for himself when he beat two defenders and had a shot but Celta keeper Sergio Alvarez was alert to sway his team from any danger. It was a fine display from a young man who has time and again saved United this season and would be hoping for yet another stellar display in Stockholm.

#3 Celta Vigo gave it their all but it wasn't enough

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 11:  Celta Vigo line up prior to the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
The Spanish side must be proud of their efforts against Manchester United

With 16 shots in the game, Celta can be said to have had enough attempts at Manchester United's goal to change the game in their favour. From the first whistle till the final one, Celta were the better side but it will be United who will face off against Ajax in the final. The sight of Celta players collapsing to the ground in despair as the referee signalled for full time was certainly heartbreaking.

The Spaniards came into this game in their worst possible form in the last five years as the Galicians had lost their previous five matches. However, like United, they too had prioritised this competition and rested their main players ahead of the second leg. But wastefulness ahead of the goal turned out to be their biggest enemy as despite having much of the ball, Celta faltered in the final third to win it for their passionate travelling fans who sang their hearts out for the entire duration.

#4 Sergio Romero stakes his claim for a place in the grand finale

VIGO, SPAIN - MAY 04:  Sergio Romero of Manchester United celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa League semi final, first leg match between Celta Vigo and Manchester United at the Estadio Balaidos on May 4, 2017 in Vigo, Spain.  (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Romero has done exceedingly well in the Europa League

The Argentine has predominantly played in the Europa League this season and started his eleventh game in the competition. David De Gea has played three but it has been Romero who has been given the opportunity to impress at the continental stage. And he did exactly that against Celta Vigo as a string of good saves throughout the game helped him raise his stock ahead of the big final against Ajax in the coming weeks.

Jose Mourinho now has a tough decision to make as to continue with Romero in Stockholm or go with the safe option of David De Gea who has been their saviour in recent seasons and has also done enough to warrant a place in the club's most important match of the season. It will be interesting to see who is selected by Jose Mourinho for the final frontier but it will be a good headache to have for the manager who now has two in-form custodians waiting for the nod.

#5 Eric Bailly's sending off a big blow

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 11:  Players from both sides clash in the build up to Eric Bailly of Manchester United and Facundo Roncaglia of Celta Vigo being shown a red card during the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Eric Bailly received his second red card in the competition

The Ivorian will miss the final for Manchester United after getting sent off by the referee for landing blows on Facundo Roncaglia in the final stages of the second half. This is Bailly's second sending off in the competition after his two yellow card offences against St. Etienne in the round of 32 clash.

With Marcos Rojo out for the season, Bailly's suspension will be a big blow to United's hopes as their first choice central pairing gets disrupted. Daley Blind had struggled against the Celta attackers in the game and Mourinho might be forced to play with either Chris Smalling or Phil Jones – a duo which has simply not done enough to earn a place in the final.

It was a scenario which could have been completely avoided by the Red Devils if Bailly had thought of the bigger picture before throwing punches in the mayhem.

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Edited by Staff Editor