Rashford's persistence pays off as United edges out Anderlecht

Marcus Rashford missed several chances before scoring the big one in extra time. Other teenagers may have let the occasion get to them, but not this 19-year-old, who has looked every bit like the present and future of Manchester United.

Rashford's calm finish in the 107th minute gave United a 2-1 win Thursday night over Anderlecht and a 3-2 victory on aggregate, ensuring his club's progress to the Europa League semi-finals.

United's quest for a third title under Jose Mourinho - and Champions League qualification - is still alive thanks to Rashford's efforts. The young academy graduate at least assuaged the early pain of losing Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to separate knee injuries.

"All you can do is keep trying to create chances, that's what we kept doing and we pinned them back," he said afterward, per the BBC. "We had a lot of chances and could have scored but sometimes games go like that. We got one in the end."

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Rojo departed shortly after Henrikh Mkhitaryan opened the scoring early in the first half. A collision with Frank Acheampong appeared to do the damage, and it could leave Mourinho short of viable centre-back options for the remainder of the season. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are also out of commission until mid-May.

It remained tense at Old Trafford, whose spectators were forced to watch another 90 minutes of wasteful football. United could've avoided extra time if it had not sent so many shots wide.

Ibrahimovic's performance was one of his worst since he arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. His presence was hardly noticeable apart from a few takedowns and the odd glance at goal, and if his injury is as serious as it looks - and he grimaced in quite a lot of pain - it's not so dramatic to think he may have played his last match for United.

Ibrahimovic has an option to extend his stay in Manchester for another season, but the emergence of Rashford could force United officials to reconsider.

Rashford and midfield dynamo Paul Pogba led United with six shots apiece. The England international had several clear goal-scoring opportunities inside the 18-yard box, including a run on the break that he spoiled with a heavy touch.

As time went on and the likelihood of penalties drew closer, United continued to hoof the ball up the pitch. The winning goal was no different. Daley Blind, Rojo's replacement, played a long ball for fellow substitute Marouane Fellaini, who guided the ball to Rashford for the clincher. Rashford's fleet footwork allowed him to get past two Anderlecht defenders and score his third goal in four outings.

Anderlecht offered a great resistance throughout and even controlled possession at some points.

But from the 70th minute on, it was all United.