Manchester United pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in footballing history on Thursday night, with some colossal performances.
With seven minutes on the clock in extra time, Manchester United found themselves inexplicably down 4-2 despite taking such a commanding hold of the game in the first half.
It was here that magic was created, with Ruben Amorim watching on as his team not only got back into the game from the verge of a season-ending defeat, but turned the scoreline around completely to secure a historic 5-4 win at Old Trafford.
United’s stunning comeback against Lyon could inject life back into the season, with Harry Maguire taking the ultimate credit for this as it was his header which won the game and the tie on an aggregate scoreline of 7-6.
Maguire was one of United’s big winners from the game as he not only scored but was very solid throughout in the centre of defence. However, for as good as Maguire was, his teammate might have been even better.
Casemiro continues to roll back the years for Manchester United
Maguire’s goal is the biggest of the season for United, but it wouldn’t have been possible without Casemiro, as his inch-perfect cross put it on a plate for the Englishman.
The Brazilian was rested last weekend with Thursday in mind, and it absolutely paid off for Amorim as Casemiro proved pivotal in getting the win with a contribution to each of the three goals in the comeback.
Casemiro kicked it all off as he did well to win the penalty, which Bruno Fernandes gladly dispatched to give a sliver of hope to the Old Trafford crowd. The stadium had began to empty, but this goal saw fans returning to their seats with Joshua Zirkzee sending a message to those who left.
Then, Casemiro provided an assist to Kobbie Mainoo, who scored a brilliant goal for United to level things up with Lyon in the 120th minute.
Finally, in the 121st minute of the game, Casemiro stepped up again with a brilliant ball into Maguire, who scored, and the rest is now in United’s history books.
Casemiro is becoming a key part of Ruben Amorim’s team
Many had written Casemiro off earlier this season – us included – with his legs clearly struggling to keep up with the demands placed upon him. This may still be true, but for the next two or hopefully three Europa League games, he is going to be key.
At 33, Casemiro continues to showcase why he was for years considered one of football’s best midfielders, and his stats against Lyon demonstrate this.
Casemiro stats vs Lyon
| Stat | Vs. Lyon |
| Minutes | 120 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Penalties won | 1 |
| Passing accuracy | 55/64 |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Touches | 88 |
| Dribbles | 1/1 |
| Tackles won | 3/3 |
| Clearances | 8 |
| Defensive actions | 15 |
| Recoveries | 7 |
| Duels won | 9/14 |
It was a game-altering display for Casemiro, as he looked like the version of himself which made him an instant fan favourite during the 2022/23 season.
Now, Amorim must wrap him up in bubble wrap over the next two weeks so he is fully rested and raring to go against Athletic Bilbao on the 1st of May.
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