Man United make Europa League history with unthinkable Lyon comeback

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5-4 at Old Trafford 

©TM/IMAGO

There’s been some magical nights at Old Trafford but Manchester United have arguably produced their greatest ever comeback in the iconic stadium’s 115-year history. With just six minutes remaining of extra-time, United trailed Lyon by two goals after capitulating against the French club but the English giants scored three through Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire to send them through to the Europa League semi-finals.

It was an unthinkable finale to a crazy game as Ruben Amorim’s men surrendered a two-goal lead from cruising 2-0 at half-time to hold a 4-2 aggregate before capitulating in the second half as Lyon mounted an incredible comeback. The Ligue 1 club pulled back two goals to level the game on aggregate but they were reduced to ten-men just before the full-time whistle when Corentin Tolisso was sent-off. United had the advantage going into extra-time but they produced an embarrassing display as Rayan Cherki fired Lyon ahead before Alexander Lacazette made it 6-4 on aggregate to the visitors. United’s season looked over and Amorim would have faced significant pressure but they progressed into the last four against Athletic Club.

United’s only hopes of securing European football next season rely on winning the Europa League to gain qualification to the Champions League. It’s been an abysmal Premier League campaign with United languishing in 14th but they remain undefeated in Europe this season. And it was a historic night at Old Trafford as the nine goals scored was a record for one match in a Europa League fixture. Eight goals had been scored in ten previous Europa League goals – including United’s 6-2 win over Roma in 2021 – but this was the first ever time nine goals had been scored.