It was one of the most jaw-dropping European wins in Old Trafford’s long history as Manchester United beat Lyon in a nine-goal thriller.
Manchester United’s 5-4 win over Lyon will go down in memory as one of the most chaotic Europa League quarter-final ties. It had a red card, nine goals and both teams felt at different stages that they were heading to the semi-finals.
There was no room for error as the Red Devils sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table, with six games left to play. That means the Europa League presents United with their only chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico cancelled out two from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot to force the match to extra time. Lyon thought they were progressing with a 4-2 lead thanks to Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette but more drama was set to unfold at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes scored from a spot-kick in the 114th minute to give hope, while substitute Kobbie Mainoo equalised in the 120th minute and moment later Harry Maguire completed the comeback, sealing a 7-6 aggregate win.
United will face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals after beating Lyon.
Kobbie Mainoo inspires comeback win over Lyon
Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo is still being eased back into the team after recovering from a long spell out injured.
Ruben Amorim was short on options up front but decided to replace Rasmus Hojlund in the second half, with Mainoo coming on to place in a false nine role.
This was a message to Ineos that Amorim needs sufficient backing in the summer to sign one if not two new strikers to bolster his attack. That said, Mainoo made the most of the situation and rose to the occasion with an extra-time equaliser to make it 4-4 after United seemed destined to reach a new dreadful low in a turbulent season.
Speaking to TNT Sports about the win, Mainoo said: “It was an amazing comeback. We put ourselves in that situation, but when I came on I was just trying to bring energy and try contribute to the team.
“They were doing so well so just carry on the energy and feed off the rest of the players.”
Mainoo was then asked about how he stayed so calm for his finish to make it 4-4.
He added: “When the ball drops in there, a yard feels like a mile, so you’ve just got to try stay as calm as you can and slot it. That’s what I did.”
Kobbie Mainoo stats vs Lyon
Although Mainoo only played 33 minutes in an unfamiliar position, the United starlet made his presence known and Amorim now knows he has another player he can call upon to benefit the team in multiple positions.
Mainoo’s versatility could prove to be a blessing for the remainder of United’s Europa League campaign, especially with Joshua Zirkzee ruled out injured for the rest of the season.
The midfielder, who replaced Rasmus Hojlund, scored with his only shot on goal against Lyon.
With six accurate passes and 13 touches, four of which were in the opposition box, Mainoo caused havoc for the Ligue 1 outfit.
| Minutes Played | 33 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Touches | 13 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 4 |
| Duels won | 2 |
| Was fouled | 1 |
Mainoo will be aiming to get more minutes under his belt in the Premier League ahead of the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.
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