Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire is the hero after an incredible winner against Lyon.
Harry Maguire would be the first to admit he has suffered some lows at Manchester United. And one came with some suspect defending for Lyon’s second goal at Old Trafford.
This was just the prelude to Harry Maguire’s biggest high in a Manchester United shirt, a dramatic winner in stoppage time of extra time.
United won 5-4 and 7-6 on aggregate, a truly unforgettable result, a match full of incident, and some truly fantastic performances.
Ben Thornley verdict on Manchester United win
Manchester United’s late winner sparked incredible scenes inside Old Trafford, the celebrations from the players on the pitch and the stands.
MUTV pundit Ben Thornley was in disbelief, admitting he did not see the comeback coming.
“United are dead and buried, they are dead and buried,” he reflected when discussing the team falling 4-2 down in extra-time.
Then came a mesmeric comeback with three goals in six minutes, thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty, and a goal from Kobbie Mainoo, before Harry Maguire’s late header.
Thornley described: “It’s a brilliant penalty. Anywhere else on that side, the keeper saves it. He’s buried it right in the corner and the pressure and then to get a wonderful goal from Kobbie. And then Harry Maguire.
“I’ve just congratulated him coming in, because he was immense all night.”
He went onto reflect on the magnitude of Manchester United’s season saving comeback.
“I’ve done so many games here, that has topped the lot in terms of drama.”
Harry Maguire deserves credit for execution of his header
Harry Maguire still had a lot of work to do when Casemiro crossed the ball towards him, he had to separate himself from the centre-back, and divert his header past the goalkeeper.
Under pressure realising this was likely to be the final chance of the game before a penalty shootout, Maguire made it look easy, finishing like a centre-forward.
Thornley said: “The ball from Casemiro is perfect, but the header is unbelievable. It’s brilliant. It really is, because he wouldn’t have had a lot of time to have seen that.
“He’s watching the flight of the ball, but he’s got Niakhate jumping in front of him, and he doesn’t try and head it as hard as he can.
“He just guides it. He actually just lets it hit his forehead and just guides it into the far corner.”
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