Unheralded Manchester United took a giant step towards the semi finals of the UEFA Europa League by coming from 4-0 down to beat Olympique Lyonnais 5-4 in an incredible extra-time thriller at Old Trafford.
United, with the Europa League needed to salvage a battered season, came barreling out of the blocks. Manuel Ugarte gave the hosts the lead in the 10th minute after a well worked move with Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Harry Maguire’s long pass set up Diogo Dalot to double the lead with a cool finish before half-time.
Garnacho squandered a golden opportunity early in the second half, and United was punished as Lyon hit back. Corentin Tolisso headed in a corner and Nicolás Tagliafico bundled in an Ainsley Maitland-Niles mishit to make it 2-2. Lyon subsequently led in extra time with Rayan Cherki’s strike and a penalty from Alexandre Lacazette after Luke Shaw fouled.
With United down, 4-2, and looking done, Fernandes converted a penalty kick after Casemiro was felled, making for a frantic finish. Kobbie Mainoo provided a moment of genius to bring the aggregate scores level in the 120th minute, before Maguire’s towering header just a minute later completed a thrilling turnaround.
And Tolisso’s sending off came too late for Lyon — who looked set for the famous victory — to take advantage in the wake of United’s late heroic acts that turned the tie on its head. The Red Devils now consider a tie with Athletic Club in the semi-finals, with Tottenham scheduled to meet Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt in the other match.
