Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted with Marcus Rashford and defended Bruno Fernandes after Manchester United took a giant stride towards the Europa League semi-finals.

Thursday’s quarter-final first leg was the biggest match in European debutants Granada’s history but the Red Devils spoiled the hosts’ 90th birthday celebrations by triumphing in Andalusia.

Rashford overcame concerns about his fitness to score a superb opener from Victor Lindelof’s fine pass, but United looked set to return to Old Trafford with just one away goal for their domination and without three key players.

United will face Roma or Ajax in the semi-finals barring a remarkable turnaround by Granada, whose manager Diego Martinez felt his side deserved more.

“I’m very proud of the team, annoyed with the result, which is a bad result but proud of the work of the team,” he said.

“We defended well and didn’t give them space to run. We got more comfortable as the game progressed.

“In the second half we deserved a goal. It was a shame not to have that clinical touch that would have given us the goal to give you the lift that you need.

“The second goal doesn’t reflect the match.”