In a thrilling comeback for the ages, Manchester United secured an unlikely victory over Lyon in dramatic fashion, with Harry Maguire’s late winner sending the Old Trafford faithful into raptures.
TheComebackKing
Harry Maguire leads the celebrations after his dramatic winner in extra time.
For those here the drama of minutes 114-120 (+34 seconds) will never be forgotten. At this juncture United had gone 4-2 down to a Rayan Cherki strike and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty (‘on 104 and 109 minutes’ ) that had the French side leading 6-4 on aggregate and apparently dumping Ruben Amorim’s men out of Europe.
Founded in 1878, Manchester United is one of the most successful football clubs in England.
The club was originally known as Newton Heath LYR Football Club but changed its name to Manchester United in 1902.
With a rich history of 20 English league titles and three European Cups, Manchester United has become a global brand.
The club's home stadium, Old Trafford, is one of the largest football stadiums in Europe with a seating capacity of over 75,000 spectators.
But, no. First, Casemiro went over with Nicolas Tagliafico pulling him and after turning down the spot-kick, the referee, ‘Sandro Schärer,’ awarded this after being ordered to the monitor. Up stepped Bruno Fernandes to coolly beat Lucas Perri to the goalkeeper’s left.
United still trailed as the opening 60 seconds of the five added on-began yet, now, came their auxiliary No 9, Kobbie Mainoo, who, fed by Casemiro, steered through a crowded area to make it 6-6 on aggregate, causing Old Trafford to go ballistic as penalties were surely how the tie would be decided.
Except this is Manchester United and their proud DNA of Fergie-time. So: enter Harry Maguire to head the winner 34 seconds into added time, put United in dreamland and take the roof off the stadium – Casemiro again the provider, to make it three involvements in the three crucial strikes.
Harry Maguire is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team.
Born on March 5, 1993, in Sheffield, England, Maguire began his youth career at Sheffield United before joining Hull City in 2011.
He made his senior debut in 2012 and quickly established himself as a talented young defender.
In 2017, he joined Leicester City for £12 million, helping the team finish ninth in the Premier League.
In August 2019, Maguire transferred to Manchester United for a record-breaking £80 million fee.
United’s dramatic comeback will be remembered for years to come as one of the greatest in club history. The team’s resilience and determination were on full display as they fought back from seemingly insurmountable odds.
The match was a thrilling spectacle, with both teams creating chances throughout the 90 minutes. However, it was United who ultimately emerged victorious, thanks in large part to the heroics of their captain Harry Maguire.
TheHeroOfTheHour
Harry Maguire’s dramatic winner will be etched in the memories of Manchester United fans for generations to come. The towering defender rose highest above the rest to head home ‘Casemiro’s cross’ , securing a 6-6 aggregate score and sending the Old Trafford faithful into raptures.
Maguire’s equalizer was set up by his teammate Casemiro, who provided the assist after being fouled by Nicolas Tagliafico. The Brazilian midfielder showed great composure under pressure to deliver the ball to Mainoo, who then scored the equalizing goal in the 120th minute.
The match was a testament to United’s never-say-die attitude and their ability to overcome adversity. Despite trailing 6-4 on aggregate, they refused to give up, and their determination ultimately paid off.
Redemption
“André Onana had a night to remember as he redeemed himself after a personal fiasco the previous week.”
The goalkeeper was calm and composed throughout the match, making several crucial saves to deny Lyon.
Onana’s excellent display was matched by that of his teammates, who were also in fine form throughout the 90 minutes. United registered several chances, including a well-taken goal from ‘Alejandro Garnacho,’ but they failed to capitalize on them.
However, it was Onana who ultimately proved to be the difference-maker, making several spectacular saves to deny Lyon and secure the win for United.
The match will go down in history as one of the greatest comebacks in European football. It was a night that will be remembered for years to come, and one that will inspire Manchester United fans for generations to come.
