Man. United - Anderlecht Talking Points

Marcus Rashford's extra-time strike sent Manchester United into the Europa League semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate win over Anderlecht on Thursday night.

Jose Mourinho's men really should have had the tie wrapped up in normal time, despite Sofiane Hanni cancelling out Henrikh Mkhitaryan's early opener.

However, poor finishing from the hosts once again frustrated the Old Trafford faithful until Rashford finally struck the decisive blow in the second half of extra-time.

Here, we round up the talking points from the fixture - including two injuries which will give Mourinho a selection headache in the Premier League this weekend...

Rashford's match-winning performance against Chelsea on Sunday was described as "outstanding" by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, and the 19-year-old grabbed the headlines again with his extra-time strike against Anderlecht.

With a quick Cruyff turn and deflected left-foot shot Rashford sent United into the final four of the Europa League, boosting their hopes of more silverware - and a place in next season's Champions League.

Throughout the contest, Rashford - pushed out to a wider role by the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the starting line-up - was United's most dangerous threat.

The England international raced onto a Paul Pogba pass before teeing up Mkhitaryan for United's opener and tested the Anderlecht backline with six shots. No United player had more.

He really should have put United 2-1 up on the night when he went through one-on-one with 20 minutes to play, but a heavy touch forced him wide as he went around goalkeeper Ruben. Then there was the 89th-minute opening forged by Ibrahimovic which Rashford lashed into the side-netting.

But despite those setbacks an extra-time Rabona, after moving up front in place of the injured Ibrahimovic, was a reminder of the confidence Rashford is playing with right now and, undeterred by his misses, he kept his composure in the box on 107 minutes to hit the net.

With Ibrahimovic suffering what looked to be a knee problem, Rashford seems set to have plenty more opportunities leading the line before the end of the season. And he looks primed to seize his chance.

Poor finishing - particularly at Old Trafford - has been the story of United's season and they nearly paid for their wastefulness against Anderlecht.

Rashford was culpable on a couple of occasions, Ibrahimovic skewed two good openings well wide and prodded straight at Ruben from close range, while Pogba somehow contrived to volley far over the bar from six yards.

In all, United had 22 shots at goal and their poor conversion rate led to several scares at the other end as Anderlecht attempted to pinch what would have been a game-ending second away goal.

Mourinho cut a frustrated figure on the touchline but there was little the Portuguese could do as his players spurned opening after opening - although Ibrahimovic was unfortunate not to earn a penalty when he was pulled down in the box.

Failing to turn their dominance into goals has left United way behind the pacesetters in the Premier League. But they remain in the race for the Europa League.

Victory over Anderlecht came at a price for United, though, with Marcos Rojo and Ibrahimovic suffering worrying knee injuries.

United already have Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in the treatment room and they look to have lost another centre-back at a key stage of the season, after Rojo was stretchered off.

The Argentina international clashed knees with Alexandru Chipciu and, after attempting to play on, went down moments later and was replaced by Daley Blind.

The Dutchman will almost certainly play alongside Eric Bailly again this weekend against Burnley - despite some shaky moments after his introduction.

Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, landed awkwardly in the final minute of normal time, hyper-extending his knee. The Swede looked in agony on the floor.

Any thoughts about him starring in the Europa League final in Stockholm will have to be put on hold until he's been assessed.

If the news is bad that may well have been his final appearance in a United shirt, with his contract up this summer and speculation a big offer from the MLS is on the way.

United are in the hat for the Europa League semi-final draw and remain big favourites to lift the trophy on May 24.

Standing in their way are Ajax, Lyon and Celta Vigo. On paper, United's expensively-assembled squad should be able to pass any of those tests.

It's a golden opportunity for Mourinho to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet and seal a return to the Champions League.

But battling for both a top-four finish in the Premier League and victory in this competition, means the manager will have to use his already stretched squad wisely.

Every game from now on in feels like a must-win for United.

Credit: Skysports.com