Manchester United defeated Lyon 5-4 in a nail-biting Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford on Thursday to revive their fading season after a two-goal deficit in extra time.
Lyon’s Rayan Cherki’s stunner and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty put United 4-2 down in extra time. United won 7-6 on aggregate when Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire scored three goals in seven minutes. In the second leg, Manuel Ugarte scored early and Diogo Dalot doubled the lead in first-half injury time.
Lyon equalised within seven minutes after a 2–0 deficit in the 71st minute thanks to Corentin Tolisso and Nicolás Tagliafico, bringing the match to extra time.
“The dictionary would definitely describe craziness as that game. A crazy game and unbelievable to win, but we’ve given many fans amazing experiences. We made them pleased and gave them excellent and unpleasant material to speak about.” After the game, Maguire stated.
After this win, United manager Ruben Amorim believes the season might be spectacular.
“The stadium sounds were the best ever,” Amorim told TNT Sports. “Some people collect clothing and scarves, but I want that sound—the best in the world. People who had to leave at 4-2 due to traffic will be devastated.
“We know we’re underperforming and deserve criticism, but we can make this season unique. Great night, fatigued squad, 4-2 with one player left, we think it’s over, but here it’s never over.
“Here everything is possible — you feel the environment.”
Athletic Club defeated Rangers 2-0 on aggregate to go to the semi-finals, and United will meet them at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on May 2.