The atmosphere in Vigo was spellbinding as Celta hosted their first ever Europa League semi-final, against Manchester United. It was history in the making, and the tension was understandable in the opening minutes.
The midfield area was tight with both teams battling for possession. Rashford showed flashes of danger down the left, before Celta found their rhythm and settled on the ball, which forced United to take a step back.
Mourinho's men shook off the pressure with Rashford once again cutting in from the left flank and firing a wonder strike which was heading for the top corner before Sergio Alvarez sprung to his left to palm away for a corner kick.
The match looked to open up after this, but Celta's defence quickly got back into position. Pogba did well to play Mkhitaryan through on goal, and once again Sergio Alvarez saved his team from going behind after he spread himself to save with his legs.
The Red Devils were not dominating all that clearly, but the clearest chances were coming their way. Rashford teed up Lingard inside the box for the midfielder to strike staright at the keeper, who palmed the ball away.
It continued to be tight as the second half got underway and Celta took charge of possession. It was the home side who had two good chances to go in front, first with an Aspas header which drifted wide and then with a Sisto strike that took a wicked deflection to force a good stop from Romero.
Rashford was still a looming threat, and Hugo Mallo was shown a yellow card for stopping the striker as he prepared to burst into the area. Blind looked like he would go for a shot, as the position was ideal for a left-footed player, but finally it was Rashford himself who took the set piece. The strike took Alvarez by surprise this time, as the keeper took a step the wrong way and Rashford curled the ball into the far corner. A beautiful and crucial goal from the youngster, and his first ever Manchester United goal from outside the box.
Celta tried to push forward to find an equaliser in the remaining minutes, but it was a solid defensive display from Mourinho's side that barely gave the home side a chance. The crucial win was perhaps overshadowed by yet another injury scare as Young limped off having spent about ten minutes on the field. The winger was holding his hamstring and was not able to continue. Yet another injury concern for Mourinho.
Manchester United earned a well-deserved victory that gives them a substantial advantage going into the second leg. They could have scored more, but for goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez's great interventions. Rashford once again proved to be the difference.