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:
United's Europa League star?
Since the start of last season, Rasmus Hojlund has recorded 12 goal contributions for Manchester United across European competition (10 goals, 2 assists).
Amongst Premier League players to have recorded 10 or more in that time, only Mohamed Salah (80) and Bukayo Saka (88) have a better minutes per goal contribution ratio than the Danish international (96).
An unwanted record for Lyon
Across major European competition when drawing the first leg of a knockout clash on home soil, Lyon have failed to progress from all nine of their prior ties between 1964 and 2019.
Supporters group criticises police as Man Utd look into fans’ treatment in Lyon
Manchester United are looking into treatment of their fans in Lyon, with Football Supporters Europe criticising the police’s “completely disproportionate” and “unacceptable” use of tear gas following Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final.
Thursday’s first leg in France was attended by 2,800 away fans, who were required by local authorities to travel to a conference centre 13 miles away from the city centre to collect wristbands before boarding shuttle buses to the ground.
Supporters group criticises police as Man Utd look into fans’ treatment in Lyon
Will Man Utd win the Europa League?
Manchester United remain unbeaten across their 11 Europa League games this season with six wins and five draws.
The last time the Red Devils began a European campaign unbeaten across their opening 11 matches they eventually went on to lose 3-1 in the 2010-11 Champions League final against Barcelona.
An unbeaten run
Lyon are unbeaten across their last 12 away Europa League games (nine wins, three draws), since a 1-0 defeat to Atalanta in December 2017.
United versus French clubs
Manchester United have lost each of their last two home European games against sides from France (2-0 & 3-1 vs PSG in February 2019 and December 2020).
They were unbeaten across their prior 14 matches between 1965 and 2017 with 10 wins and four draws.
Lyon's strong record
Lyon have lost just one of their last nine European games against sides from England (four wins, four draw).
That defeat was 3-0 loss to West Ham during the 2021-22 Europa League.
Man Utd vs Lyon
This will be the third time that Manchester United have faced Lyon in European competition at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils winning both prior meetings (2-1 in November 2004 & 1-0 in March 2008).
Bruno Fernandes makes vow after humbling Newcastle defeat
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has vowed a fightback in the Europa League after their heavy defeat at Newcastle.
The Red Devils face Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday evening in the second leg of their quarter-final, with the tie delicately poised at 2-2. However, Sunday’s 4-1 Premier League humbling at St James' Park, where a second-half collapse proved costly.
Bruno Fernandes makes vow after humbling Newcastle defeat
'It's Bilbao or bust'
“It's Bilbao or bust for United. Or, in the short term, Bilbao or Glasgow or bust.
“Their season could end tonight or extend into a semi-final. As he had said he would, Ruben Amorim has recalled Andre Onana.
“With Joshua Zirkzee injured, he had little choice but to recall Rasmus Hojlund.
“Lyon benefited from goalkeeping errors from Onana in last week's 2-2 draw but are in far better form than United and could qualify for the Champions League via their domestic league results.
“But having a second leg at Old Trafford proved an advantage for United in the last round against Real Sociedad. It might do again.”
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