Manchester United survived a huge late scare to edge past Spanish visitors Celta Vigo and set up a Europa League final against Dutch giants
Leading 1-0 from the first leg, United took control as Marouane Fellaini headed home Marcus Rashford’s cross.
But Celta, needing two goals, levelled on the night through Facundo Roncaglia to set up a tense final few minutes.
United’s Eric Bailly and Roncaglia were sent off after a mass brawl as the hosts joined Ajax in the final.
But they could only celebrate after Celta striker John Guidetti scuffed a golden chance to put the visitors through to their first major European final with the final kick of the game.
The aggregate victory took the Red Devils a step closer to their first Europa League triumph and a return to the Champions League.
They will meet Ajax, who beat Lyon in the other semi-final, in Stockholm on 24 May.
United had never lost a two-legged European tie after winning the first leg away from home, and knew they would reach the final by keeping a clean sheet at an expectant Old Trafford.
The hosts looked nervy as Celta made an attacking start, before Fellaini settled the tension by converting the hosts’ first effort on target.
The Belgium midfielder sneaked in at the far post to powerfully head in Rashford’s clipped right-wing cross.
Jose Mourinho’s side created few other chances as they aimed to frustrate the visitors, who now needed at least two goals, with an organised and largely defensive approach.
Although Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Rashford and Fellaini all drew saves from Celta keeper Sergio Alvarez after the break, it was a functional – not flashy – performance from United.
Celta, who had lost their previous five matches and are 12th in La Liga, had more possession than the home side, and forced United keeper Sergio Romero into instinctive saves at the start of each half.
They then ignited the tie with Roncaglia’s glancing header following a corner.
The away goal, which left them needing one more to eliminate United, increased the tension inside Old Trafford, leading to a scuffle involving almost all of the 22 players on the field.
Bailly was sent off for a swipe at former Manchester City striker Guidetti, with Roncaglia also dismissed for retaliating.
With six minutes of added time, there was still opportunity for Celta to create one final chance – but Guidetti blew it.
While United’s players greeted the final whistle with a mixture of relief and jubilation, the visitors slumped to the turf with Guidetti in tears.
