Marcus Rashford puts Manchester United in control of Europa League semi-final with Celta Vigo

Marcus Rashford’s stunning free-kick has put Manchester United in control of their Europa League semi-final with Celta Vigo.

The 19-year-old was the standout performer for United and his goal proved the difference on the night to secure a 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg.

If the Red Devils can shut out the Spanish side next week at Old Trafford they will secure a spot in the final in Stockholm later this month.

They are likely to meet Ajax in Sweden on May 27 after the Dutch put Lyon to the sword in the first leg of their last-four showdown with Lyon on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho sees winning the Europa League as Manchester United’s best route into next season’s Champions League.

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The Special One made six changes to the side that were surprisingly held by Swansea at the weekend as he welcomed back a number of players from injury.

Paul Pogba took his place in the centre of park while Eric Bailly shook off the muscle problem that forced him to withdraw from Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

Sergio Romero continues to be preferred to David De Gea in the European competition despite being second choice in the Premier League.

Matteo Darmian, Marouane Fellaini and Henrikh Mkhitaryan also started against a Vigo team that have beaten both Barcelona and Real Madrid this term.

The early warning signs were there for United as the LaLiga side nearly took the lead when Daniel Wass ghosted in at the back post but his header was off target.

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Rashford remains the main man up top for the Red Devils in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Mancunian boy looked sharp at Balaidos Stadium.

He stole half a yard on his marker and curled a stinging drive goalwards that was only kept out by a sensational full-stretch save from Sergio Alvarez.

Jesse Lingard was next to threaten and found himself centimetres away from making clean contact with Mkhitaryan’s low cross across the six-yard box.

Mkhitaryan, who has been in such wonderful form in United’s run to the semi-finals, then forced another decent stop from Alvarez to keep the scoreline blank.

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The Celta Vigo goalkeeper was the busiest man on the pitch in a goalless first half and once again showed good awareness to deny Lingard from close range.

United had good options on the bench with Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Antony Martial all available but Mourinho resisted half-time changes.

Romero, who watched his counterpart make save after save in the first period, had to be alert after the restart as he sprung to tip over Pione Sisto’s shot.

Having spurned so many chances it was beginning to look like another frustrating European night for the visitors.

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However, just as he did against Anderlecht in the quarter-finals, Rashford showed his class to find a way through for Mourinho’s team.

The boy wonder took one step and pulled the trigger to blast home a devastating free-kick and give United both the lead and what could prove a crucial away goal.

Celta Vigo will head to Old Trafford for the return leg next Thursday as they attempt to wrestle the tie back from the Red Devils.

Manchester United have the small matter of a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal on Sunday before the second leg as Mourinho struggles to keep his squad fresh.