MADRID, April 8 (Reuters) - Manchester United&aposs Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Granada in the Europa League quarter-final first leg to put their side in the driving seat.

In a game where clear-cut chances were sparse, Rashford&aposs goal just past the half hour was the standout piece of quality.

The England forward controlled a long ball from Victor Lindelof before coolly finishing to put United ahead and notch up his 20th goal of the season in all competitions.

Granada fought valiantly for a way back into the game, with Chelsea loanee Kenedy testing David de Gea from long-range before Yangel Herrera - on loan from Manchester City - hit the post with a volley.

Fernandes, denied a second goal by a save from Portuguese countryman Rui Silva from close range late on, then netted a stoppage-time penalty after being felled by Yan Brice Eteki.

The return leg is next Thursday at Old Trafford and the winners of the tie will face the victors in Ajax Amsterdam&aposs clash with AS Roma in which the Italians hold a 2-1 lead from their first away leg which was also played on Thursday.