Manchester United last night pulled off the great escape to salvage their season by reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League.
This club has had so many great European nights but this will be right up there after a 2-0 lead became 2-2, they were down 4-2 against Lyon and heading out before stoppage-time goals in extra-time by Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire saved the day on Ruben Amorim’s greatest night in charge.
‘4-2 with one more player and you think it’s over,’ Amorim said.
‘But here, it’s never over. I was watching again the ’99 documentary for inspiration for these moments, it was a great night.’
After a 2-2 first leg, this was going as smooth as possible for United when they headed into half-time with a two-goal lead thanks to Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot.
But this is 2025 Manchester United and things are never straight forward. Corentin Tolisso – who would finish the night being sent off – got them back in the game before Nicolas Tagliafico converted at the back post as United’s defence creaked.
Rayan Cherki, the star of this show, and Alexandre Lacazette thought their goals would send Lyon through on a famous night before the 10-men wilted.
‘Even when we it was 3-2 we felt like we’d felt chances to come back into it,’ match winner Maguire said. ‘
As soon as we got the fourth I felt like there’d be another chance and it fell to myself and thankfully I put it in the back of the net and it was an amazing feeling.’
Mainoo added, on the prospect of going all the way and winning this competition now: ‘It was an amazing comeback, we put ourselves in that situation, though.
‘When I came on I was just trying to bring energy and feed off the rest of the players. The performance wasn’t the highest standard but win like that can bring some momentum.’
