Manchester United duo left Old Trafford early for Lyon comeback, reason for ‘urgent’ departures explained

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Manchester United pulled off one of the most dramatic nights in their European history as they overturned a 6-4 aggregate deficit against Lyon with three goals in six extra-time minutes.

Old Trafford has hosted big European nights before – mostly in the Champions League – but people left the stadium on Thursday night certain they had never witnessed anything like it before.

Manchester United beat Lyon 5-4 in a game that was flipped on its head on more than one occasion. The scores were level as the French side arrived in Manchester in a bid to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League at Ruben Amorim’s expense.

The Red Devils took a 2-0 lead before a second-half comeback took the game to extra-time. Despite being down to 10 men, Lyon took the lead through Rayan Cherki before Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty gave Paulo Fonseca’s side breathing space.

However, the drama wasn’t over yet. United came fighting back with three late goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire to win the tie at the very end.

Noussair Mazraoui and Victor Lindelof had to leave Old Trafford early

Although it was a great night for United, sadly two players had to leave Old Trafford at half-time due to issues off the pitch.

Ruben Amorim was forced into making one substitution at half-time when Noussair Mazraoui came off to be replaced by Luke Shaw.

Meanwhile, substitute Victor Lindelof was no longer spotted sitting on the bench for the second half.

It was briefed after the match that Mazraoui and Lindelof both had to leave the stadium due to urgent family issues which are said to be entirely unrelated.

Speaking to TNT Sports during a live broadcast after the match, Amorim said: “We had a problem with ‘Noussa’ at half time.

“Vic has a personal problem, he had to leave.”

Amorim did not elaborate on what the issues were, but several journalists covering the match were able to add more on the matter, such as Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst.

Shaw will be delighted to get more minutes under his belt, although he will be disappointed with the fact he gave a penalty away in extra-time, which almost saw the tie slip away from United.

What’s next for Lindelof and Mazraoui?

United will hope that both players will be able to resume their playing duties as soon as possible, once they can address whatever issues they had on Thursday night, but it’s lining up to be a busy end to the season for the team.

Lindelof has a bit part role in the squad and could be moved on in the summer, whereas Mazraoui is one of the experienced heads in the dressing room, who is trusted to play across multiple roles.

The United duo are likely to be available against Wolves at the weekend and in two weeks to face Athletic Bilbao.

Lindelof could leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season, so he will be looking to make as many appearances as possible before leaving the club.