Man Utd vs Lyon LIVE: Mainoo and Maguire’s late goals send Ruben Amorim’s men into Europa League semi-finals
Manchester United 5-4 Lyon (7-6 agg): Ruben Amorim’s men make it through thrilling nine-goal contest
Manchester United are into the semi-finals of the European League after the most thrilling clash at Old Trafford ended 5-4 in their favour with plenty of late drama.
The hosts took control of the match in the first half and dominated possession with Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot giving Ruben Amorim’s men a two-goal advantage.
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca made changes that worked perfectly. Corentin Tolisso pulled one back before Nicolas Tagliafico equalised for the visitors. Tolisso was dismissed late in the 90 minutes and the match went to extra-time.
Lyon were the better team even with 10-men. Rayan Cherki slotted the French side ahead and Alexandre Lacazette scored from the penalty spot to leave United trailing by two and on the brink of elimination.
But there was a twist to come. Casemiro won a penalty that Bruno Fernandes slotted home before Kobbie Mainoo, playing as striker, was calm and composed to net an equaliser in the 120th minute. Less than a minute later and Harry Maguire proved to be the match winner with a headed effort that sent Old Trafford wild.
Relive the latest from Old Trafford with our live blog below:
GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Lyon (3-2 agg) - Manuel Ugarte, 10'
Beautiful!
Noussair Mazraoui flicks the ball over the top as Bruno Fernandes runs down the right wing. He collects it and sends it into the box for Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho shifts it away from the nearest defender then pulls it back to Manuel Ugarte who side foots a first time shot into the back of the net.
A lovely goal.
'It might be the last European game at Old Trafford'
“It might be the last European game at Old Trafford, even if we may have said that in the last 16 as well.
“But it is quite an occasion.
“They have belatedly discovered tifo banners and United unveiled a couple before kick-off.
“There were huge cheers for a crunching challenge by Harry Maguire, others for a surge forward from Leny Yoro.
“United have begun at pace.”
Man Utd 0-0 Lyon (2-2 agg)
9 mins: Fernandes whips the corner into the box but Moussa Niakhate leaps highest to nod the ball to Rayan Cherki who smokes it high up the pitch to clear his lines.
Man Utd 0-0 Lyon (2-2 agg)
8 mins: Garnacho chases after a long ball from Casemiro and manages to outpace Jordan Veretout to keep the ball in play.
The midfielder manages to take the ball away from him but United are quick to push up and Bruno Fernandes wins them a corner.
Man Utd 0-0 Lyon (2-2 agg)
6 mins: Strong stuff from Man Utd as Yoro is the driving force to get up the pitch.
He gives it to Rasmus Hojlund who holds the ball up well before laying off a pass to Bruno Fernandes.
The United captain eyes up a pass into the middle where Alejandro Garnacho is waiting but it gets intercepted and cleared by Paul Akouokou.
Man Utd 0-0 Lyon (2-2 agg)
3 mins: Leny Yoro goes on an enterprising run through the inside left channel but gets stopped and loses the ball.
It comes across to Harry Maguire who puts in a heavy tackle and receives a warm round of applause from the home supporters.
Kick off! Man Utd 0-0 Lyon (2-2 agg)
Lyon get the ball rolling for this crucial fixture. The winner will progress and the loser is out.
For Man Utd that will confirm this as one of their worst ever seasons.
The French club knock the ball back before sending it long down the right where United gain possession for the first time.
Man Utd vs Lyon
Here come the teams.
The players walk out onto the pitch at Old Trafford when they knowledge that a place in the semi-finals awaits for the winners.
Manchester United will be nervous but they were the better team in France and will have the support of their home fans tonight.
The first goal could be a crucial one and all eyes will be on Andre Onana in goal.
Can Ruben Amorim’s men reach the next round? Let’s find out.
Kick off is up next...
Bruno Fernandes on the Man Utd fans:
"They never stop. They have been very big for us this season.
“They are one of the reasons why it hasn't been worse than we actually are.
“They have always been by our side and it is time for us to pay back."
Lyon's biggest threat
After netting Lyon’s equaliser in the first leg, Rayan Cherki has now recorded 11 goals contributions across his 11 Europa League games this season (3 goals, 8 assists).
That’s the highest tally in the competition this season, whilst no player has ever recorded more assists in a single campaign (also Diego in 2011-12).
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