Sports

Two up, two down, one up: Maguire completes epic Man Utd comeback after extra-time madness

Manchester United celebrate Harry Maguire's winning goal
Manchester United celebrate Harry Maguire’s winning goal – Reuters/Phil Noble

Most inside Old Trafford were still drunk on the euphoria of Kobbie Mainoo’s dramatic equaliser when Casemiro picked up possession on the left, looked up and saw Harry Maguire lurking in the penalty area.

And for a fleeting moment, when Manchester United’s veteran Brazil midfielder whipped in an inch-perfect cross, it felt like time stood still as Maguire moved to shake off the attentions of Lyon defender Moussa Niakhate and get his head on the ball.

The next thing it was sailing into the far side of the net, the game had its ninth goal and from the jaws of defeat United were celebrating a victory almost too bewildering to contemplate as Old Trafford erupted.

Lyon, from thinking they were almost through despite being reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute when Corentin Tolisso was sent off for a second yellow, were gone in 87 madcap seconds. The eruption of noise was deafening.

There have been some extraordinary late comebacks at this famous old stadium down the years and this will stand with the best of them. It was an assault on the senses and, by the end of a night few who were there to witness it will ever forget, United somehow found themselves in the Europa League semi-finals, where they will meet Athletic Club of Bilbao. They will only hope it is not their only visit to the Basque Country in the coming weeks. The final on May 21 is also in Bilbao.

This game will certainly take some digesting – and Lyon a good while to get over. United had a comfortable two-goal lead, threw it away and then watched Lyon do exactly the same in extra-time when Ruben Amorim’s side scored three times in the final seven minutes.

When Alexandre Lacazette converted from the penalty spot in the 109th minute, United looked dead and buried. They had led courtesy of first-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot and then should have put the tie to bed six minutes after the restart, only for Alejandro Garnacho to squander a glorious chance to make it 3-0. And then began the first capitulation of the night.

It was the introduction of the young, raw and exciting Belgian winger Malick Fofana shortly after the hour mark that turned the momentum Lyon’s way. United were suddenly on the back foot, afraid of Fofana’s pace and willingness to run at them and for a good while it looked like sweeping Paulo Fonseca’s side into the last four.

Tolisso pulled a goal back for Lyon with 19 minutes of normal time remaining when he headed home from close range after United had failed to win two headers before it, and insecurity spread throughout the home team.

Corentin Tolisso gets on the scoresheet before his late red card
Corentin Tolisso gets on the scoresheet before his late red card – Shutterstock/Adam Vaughan

When Nicolas Tagliafico then drew the French side level eight minutes later after Ainsley Maitland-Niles turned Fofana’s cross into his path, Garnacho’s miss was suddenly looking very costly indeed. United could not say they had not been warned either. Andre Onana, the villain in Lyon the previous week but now back in the side, had kept out a goalbound effort from Maitland-Niles moments earlier.

Despite holding a numerical advantage after Tolisso’s dismissal, United initially crumbled in extra-time. A fine move down Lyon’s left saw Fofana, not for the first time, scampering away and United furiously back-pedalling. Dalot managed to intercept but the ball fell into the path of Rayan Cherki to spear home a stunning drive. Cherki had scored the 95th-minute equaliser in the 2-2 first-leg draw last week and here he was proving to be United’s nemesis once again.

Things got even worse for United when Luke Shaw brought down Fofana and Lacazette made it 4-2 from the spot. Surely that was game over? Think again.

When Bruno Fernandes pulled one back from the penalty spot after Tagliafico had fouled Casemiro, suddenly the momentum shifted back United’s way again in this roller coaster of a match. They couldn’t, could they?

Mainoo has proven he has quite the nose for goal and again illustrated just that when the ball popped up for him to lash home.

Penalties beckoned but then it was clear United were not done and Lyon were creaking and it almost felt like all but a small corner of the ground was trying to suck the ball into the net when Casemiro picked out Maguire. The England defender did not look like he knew what to do with himself after scoring. It was that big a goal.

Amorim, of course, may wonder how it ever got to that stage. United had been excellent value for their commanding first-half lead when Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca’s decision to ask Jordan Veretout and Paul Akouokou to man-mark Garnacho and Fernandes was unpicked in the first 10 minutes.

First Fernandes lost Akouokou by spinning in behind down the right to receive Noussair Mazraoui’s clipped pass and then play in Garnacho, who had the awareness to play the ball back for Ugarte to apply a cool side-foot finish. Onana, back after being rested for the Newcastle United game in an effort to clear his head after an error-strewn display in the first leg against Lyon last week, ran over to celebrate in front of the Lyon fans, who had been barracking him from the first whistle. The Cameroonian is certainly not afraid to put a target on his back.

Andre Onana celebrates in front of the travelling Lyon fans following Manuel Ugarte's opener
Andre Onana celebrates in front of the travelling Lyon fans following Manuel Ugarte’s opener – Getty Images/Carl Recine

Dalot scored the second with a fine finish from Maguire’s pass after Fernandes had hit the crossbar with a thumping volley and then came that Garnacho miss. In the end it would not matter.

And so United’s season lives on. A giant tifo was unfurled before kick-off celebrating the club’s European triumphs over the decades. The Class of 2025, it is fair to say, are hardly of the classic vintage but they are now just three games from winning the Europa League and, with it, securing the return of Champions League football next season.

11:11 PM BST

More from Ruben Amorim

We sometimes look at the tactical aspect, the physical aspect, but this is the type of moment that can change a lot of things. We have to be really focussed on the Europa League and takes a risk sometime with the kids in the Premier League. The fans have to understand that we have to focus on the Europa League.

Everybody believes it’s possible [to win the Europa League]. It’s going to be tough, and we need luck with injuries.

The sound when Kobbie and Harry scored, it’s the best sound in the world. Some people like to keep shirts after a game; I want to keep that sound.

11:07 PM BST

Ruben Amorim talks to TNT Sports

I was watching 99, the documentary, so to have some inspiration for this moment… It was a great night. The team was tired, you could feel it during the game. At 4-2 you think it’s over, but here it’s never over. Everything is possible. When Bruno scored, at 4-3 you feel like you can change the game.

We put Harry Maguire up front as he’s the only man who can score with his head. And then Kobbie Mainoo. He has a lack of pace at the moment because he had a calf injury, but he’s really good in small spaces and he has the ability to score that kind of goal. Sometimes it works and today was a good day.

Luke Shaw was supposed to play 30 minutes tops. But then we had a problem with Noussair at half-time. He had a personal problem and he had to leave. But in the end it was a good game. We have a lot to improve but the character was there.

We are doing well in Europe but the reflection of the coach is the league, and we are underperforming. You have to see the context. We lack a lot of characteristics in the team. Against European teams we can cope better [physically].

10:56 PM BST

Fergie Time, redefined

10:54 PM BST

Man Utd reaction

Kobbie Mainoo

It was an amazing comeback. When I came on I just tried to bring energy and contribute to them.

[On his goal] When the ball drops to you a yard feels like a mile. You have to stay as calm as you can and that’s what I tried to do.

The performance wasn’t up to the highest standard but a win like that can give us so much momentum. We’re rolling the snowball, it’s getting bigger and bigger, and we’re trying to go all the way.

Harry Maguire

It’s an incredible game. We made really hard work of it – we had full control at 2-0 – and to go 4-2 down against 10 men is nowhere near good enough. But we dug in and showed great spirit; that’s what this stadium does.

[On his goal] I held him there with my left hand but I don’t think there was enough for a foul. I saw it all the way and guided it into the corner. It was an amazing feeling.

10:48 PM BST

Football, bloody hell

How can you possibly make sense of that? United were 2-0 up, then 4-2 down against 10 men, and then 5-4 up after a comeback that defied logic. Sir Alex Ferguson sings ‘Glory Glory Man Utd’ with the crowd, Ruben Amorim walks down the tunnel with a huge smile on his face. The front pair of Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire – Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire – have scripted a victory for the ages.

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates Manchester United's remarkable victory.
Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates Manchester United’s remarkable victory. – OLI SCARFF/AFP

10:44 PM BST

Full time: Manchester United 5 Lyon 4 (agg: 7-6)

It’s all over! Manchester United will play Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals after one of the most astonishing games in European football history.

Harry Maguire is embraced by Rasmus Hojlund after his injury-time winner.
Harry Maguire is embraced by Rasmus Hojlund after his injury-time winner. – James Gill /Getty Images

10:38 PM BST

Goal!

120+1 min: Man Utd 5 Lyon 4 (agg: 7-6; Maguire) ASTONISHING SCENES AT OLD TRAFFORD! Casemiro, on the left, tosses a cross into the box, where Maguire gets behind Niakhate and guides a header back into the far corner.

There’s a VAR check for a potential foul on Niakhate. The goal stands! Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, one of the most unlikely centre-forward pairings in football history, have saved Manchester United.

10:36 PM BST

Goal!

120 min: Man Utd 4 Lyon 4 (agg: 6-6) What a finish from Kobbie Mainoo! This is entirely ridiculous. Fernandes fed the ball into Casemiro, who flicked it round the corner to Mainoo on the left side of the area. He took a touch, cut inside Maitland-Niles as if he was playing five-a-side with his mates and simply placed a curler into the far corner. Uuuuunbelievable stuff.

10:36 PM BST

118 min: Man Utd 3 Lyon 4 (agg: 5-6)

A cross from the left is half cleared to Fernandes, who takes a touch but then slices well wide of the far post.

10:34 PM BST

116 min: Man Utd 3 Lyon 4 (agg: 5-6)

Man Utd appeal unsuccesfully for another penalty after a wrestling match between Maguire and Niakhate. Replays show that Niakhate has a strong grip on Maguire’s shirt, though Maguire may have had a handful of Niakhate’s shirt as well.

10:32 PM BST

115 min: Man Utd 3 Lyon 4 (agg: 5-6)

Lyon substitution Caleta-Car replaces Tagliafico. It’s like the Wild West out there.

10:31 PM BST

Goal!

114 min: Man Utd 3 Lyon 4 (agg: 5-6; Fernandes pen) Bruno Fernandes slaps the penalty into the bottom right corner and runs to retrieve the ball. This is bonkers.

10:30 PM BST

Penalty to Man Utd!

113 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 4 (agg: 4-6) Another twist! Casemiro is fouled in the area by Tagliafico, and though it’s not given on the field, VAR invites the referee to go to the monitor. United have a lifeline.

10:27 PM BST

Goal!

110 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 4 (Lacazette pen) Alexandre Lacazette sends Onana the wrong way and leads the wild celebrations on the touchline. Manchester United, who were so good for 70 minutes, have collapsed in a manner that almost defies belief.

10:26 PM BST

107 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 3 (agg: 4-5)

Penalty to Lyon! Fofana, who has been sensational off the bench, is tripped by Luke Shaw just inside the area. He’s booked and Lyon are so close to the sem-finals.

10:25 PM BST

106 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 3 (agg: 4-5)

Lyon substitution Abner Vinicius replaces the outstanding Rayan Cherki. 

10:24 PM BST

106 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 3 (agg: 4-5)

Manchester United begin the second period of extra time. Harry Maguire is now playing up front.

10:19 PM BST

Half-time in extra-time: Man Utd 2 Lyon 3 (agg: 4-5)

This is turning into a nightmare for the ages. Manchester United were 2-0 up and cruising after 70 minutes; now they are facing elimination against a team that are down to 10 men.

10:16 PM BST

Goal!

105 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 3 (agg: 4-5) Ten-man Lyon are in front! The substitute Fofana went on a blistering run from the left, all the way to the edge of the United area before he was challenged. The ball broke to Cherki, who belted a low drive across Onana with his left foot. A brilliant finish and Man Utd are in all sorts.

10:15 PM BST

102 min: Man Utd 2-2 Lyon (agg: 4-4)

Dalot’s cross is flicked imaginatively across the area by Fernandes. Maitland-Niles does well to get between Amass and ther ball at the far post.

10:12 PM BST

100 min: Man Utd 2-2 Lyon (agg: 4-4)

Double substitution for Man Utd Harry Amass and Christian Eriksen replace Patrick Dorgu and Alejandro Garnacho, who tired after a superb first hour.

Ruben Amorim had to do something because Man Utd aren’t making the most of their extra man.

10:08 PM BST

96 min: Man Utd 2-2 Lyon (agg: 4-4)

Lacazette, well offside, rifles wide of the far post after collecting a deflected shot from Almada. I think he knew he was off.

10:07 PM BST

95 min: Man Utd 2-2 Lyon (agg: 4-4)

Man Utd have plenty of good technicians on the field now – Fernandes, Mainoo, Mount – so in theory they should be able to maximise their man advantage. But for the time being Lyon are keeping United at arm’s length with reasonable comfort.

Leny Yoro is challenged by Nicolas Tagliafico.
Leny Yoro is challenged by Nicolas Tagliafico. – Phil Noble/Reuters

10:05 PM BST

93 min: Man Utd 2-2 Lyon (agg: 4-4)

The outstanding Cherki is flattened by Maguire, who is not unreasonably booked.

10:03 PM BST

91 min: Man Utd 2-2 Lyon (agg: 4-4)

They’re off again. No additional substitutions at this stage.

10:00 PM BST

Full time: Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Rangers (agg: 2-0)

The only thing we do know is that tonight’s winners will play Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final. They beat Rangers 2-0 on the night, and on aggregate.

09:59 PM BST

‘It was nothing’

One of Lyon’s analysts is in the press box and making his feelings clear on the Tolisso sending off. “It was nothing! Wh—, damn it!” was his verdict. 

Corentin Tolisso walks down the touchline after being sent off.
Corentin Tolisso walks down the touchline after being sent off. – OLI SCARFF/AFP

09:58 PM BST

Full time: Man Utd 2-2 Lyon (agg: 4-4)

Extra time it is. United have the advantage, with Lyon down to 10 men, but you wouldn’t bet on anything after such a topsy-turvy 90 minutes.

09:56 PM BST

90+4 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 2 (agg: 4-4)

Mainoo spins cleverly away from Niakhate and is fouled. That could easily have been a yellow card. Fernandes’s free-kick is headed by Mata onto Maguire and behind for a goalkick.

09:54 PM BST

90+2 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 2 (agg: 4-4)

Good save by Perri! The resulting free-kick is 30 yards out on the right wing. Fernandes goes for goal and very nearly catches out Perri, who scrambles across his line and pushes it round the post. Another brilliant effort from Fernandes, whose imagination knows few bounds.

09:52 PM BST

Tolisso is sent off!

89 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 2 (agg: 4-4) Yoro plays a give-and-go with Mount and is tripped – accidentally – by Tolisso. He’s given a second yellow and because it’s not a straight red card VAR can’t get involved. The first impression is that Tolisso is really unlucky there.

09:48 PM BST

87 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 2 (agg: 4-4)

Double substitution for Man Utd Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo replace Manuel Ugarte, who conducts the crowd as he walks off, and Rasmus Hojlund. Thta means Mainoo will play as a false nine.

09:48 PM BST

86 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 2 (agg: 4-4)

Almada’s free-kick hits the wall.

09:46 PM BST

85 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 2 (agg: 4-4)

Cherki dupes Ugarte and is fouled 25 yards from goal. Man Utd are hanging on here, which would have been unthinkable 15 minutes ago.

09:43 PM BST

81 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 2 (agg: 4-4)

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has changed this game with his subs. United were cruising at 2-0 up and there looked no way back for the French side, but bringing on Malick Fofana has changed the dynamic of their attack. Alexandre Lacazette has been lively too.

Alexandre Lacazette celebrates Lyon's equaliser.
Alexandre Lacazette celebrates Lyon’s equaliser. – Phil Noble/Reuters

09:42 PM BST

80 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 2 (agg: 4-4)

It felt like United were comfortable but they’ve been a bag of nerves since Tolisso’s goal and now they’re in danger of losing in normal time.

09:39 PM BST

Goal!

78 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 2 (agg: 4-4; Tagliafico) Lyon are level! Fofana teased Dalot and curled a cross beyond the far post. Maitland-Niles mistimed a volley back across goal but it fell for Tagliafico, who kneed it into the net from a tight angle. Onana pushed the ball away from behind the line and Lacazette followed up to make sure, but it’s Tagliafico’s goal.

09:38 PM BST

76 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 1 (agg: 4-3)

Fofana runs at Yoro in the area. Yoro slips and blocks Fofana’s shot with his head. It ricochets to Maitland-Niles, who pings a sweet shot from the edge of the box. Onana almost dives past it but manages to push it away.

United break and Garnacho charges at the last man Mata, who defends superbly and wins a free-kick.

Yoro is down and receiving treatment after that block with his head.

09:36 PM BST

74 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 1 (agg: 4-3)

Lyon fans had just lit flares in their end before that Corentin Tolisso header flew in. Now there could be fireworks in the final part of this tie as United could get nervous. They will be rueing missed opportunities to extend their lead because they have been the better team.

Corentin Tolisso heads past Andre Onana.
Corentin Tolisso heads past Andre Onana. – Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

09:35 PM BST

73 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 1 (agg: 4-3)

Maitland-Niles’ cross causes a bit of panic in the United area until Almada spanks over from the edge of the area.

That Tolisso goal was made by a header across goal from Lacazette, who has been very good since coming on as substitute.

09:32 PM BST

Goal!

71 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 1 (agg: 4-3) Lyon are back in it! A free-kick from the right led to an impromptu game of head tennis before Tolisso planted an excellent header past Onana from eight yards.

09:32 PM BST

70 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Man Utd are 20 minutes away from their first European semi-final since 2020-21, when they beat Roma 8-5 on aggregate before losing to Unai Emery’s Villarreal on penalties in the final.

09:31 PM BST

69 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Hojlund plays a good pass to the onrushing Dalot, who slices well wide from the angle. Hojlund’s link play has been excellent tonight.

09:29 PM BST

66 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg:4-2)

I forgot to mention a yellow card for Garnacho earlier. Meanwhile a Lyon free-kick is punched away by Onana, coming through the crowd. Lyon are really dominating possession now.

Ruben Amorim watches on.
Ruben Amorim watches on. – Martin Rickett/PA

09:25 PM BST

64 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg; 4-2)

Lyon substitution Tagliafico is booked for a hack at Fernandes. Lyon bring on Malick Fofana for Georges Mikautadze, a terrific player who had a very quiet night.

09:24 PM BST

62 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

A goal would change things, but for now Man Utd look pretty comfortable. They’re sitting on the edge of the area and giving Lyon very little space to work with.

09:21 PM BST

59 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Chance for Dorgu! A neat flick from Hojlund in the area finds Dalot, whose deflected cross reaches Dorgu at the far post. He takes a touch and swishes the bouncing ball over the bar. It wouldn’t sit down for him.

09:20 PM BST

58 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Garnacho shoots over from a tight angle after a nice United move. Hojlund, unmarked in the middle, hoofs the post in frustration. He’s been excellent in general play tonight but you can understand why he’s desperate for a goal.

09:18 PM BST

55 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

After an extended spell of Lyon pressure, Mikautadze shoots high and wide from the edge of the area. He’s been quiet tonight.

09:17 PM BST

54 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Double substitution for Lyon Alexandre Lacazette and Tanner Tessman replace Jordan Veretout and Paul Akouokou.

09:16 PM BST

54 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Super save by Onana! A cross from the right is kept alive and bounces towards Tolisso, whose deflected shot on the turn is pawed away by Onana, plunging to his right. That’s the best of his saves tonight.

09:14 PM BST

51 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Bruno Fernandes pulls out a rabona from his box of tricks. He found his man but the move petered out.

09:13 PM BST

50 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Big save by Perri! A lovely break by United. Hojlund clipped an early pass behind the defence for Garnacho, who charged into the area with Mata at his side. Garnacho sat Mata down, came inside on his right foot and lifted a shot that was beaten awya by Perri. 

09:09 PM BST

48 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Fernandes’s teasing free-kick is headed wide by Casemiro, though he was offside so it wouldn’t have counted.

09:08 PM BST

47 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Garnacho is fouled just outside the area on the left by Mata.

09:07 PM BST

46 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Manchester United begin the second half.

09:06 PM BST

Half-time substitution

Luke Shaw comes on for Noussair Mazraoui, who presumably has an injury. He’ll play as the left-sided centre-back with Leny Yoro moving to the right.

Luke Shaw comes onto the field.
Luke Shaw comes onto the field. – Phil Noble/Reuters

08:58 PM BST

Watch: Dalot makes it 2-0

08:50 PM BST

Half time: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2)

Old Trafford is buzzing. Manchester United have been excellent and lead through goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot. Lyon were furious about the second, thinking Tagliafico was fouled, though there didn’t seem to be that much in it. 

Rayan Cherki was a constant menace and forced a really good save from Andre Onana, while at the other end Bruno Fernandes hit the bar with an outrageous volley.

Diogo Dalot celebrates his goal.
Diogo Dalot celebrates his goal. – Martin Rickett/PA

08:47 PM BST

Goal!

45+1 min: Man Utd 2 Lyon 0 (agg: 4-2; Dalot) Lyon aren’t happy but Diogo Dalot has doubled United’s lead! Maguire drove a long, angled pass towards the edge of the area, where Dalot backed into Tagliafico. He fell over and Dalot drove a precise low shot into the far corner.

There’s a VAR check as to whether Dalot fouled Tagliafico – but the goal is given!

08:46 PM BST

45+1 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Tolisso is booked for a cynical foul on the dangerous Garnacho. He’ll miss the first leg of the semi-final if Lyon get through.

08:46 PM BST

45 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Veretout’s dangerous cross whistles across the United area and away to safety. That again stemmed from good play by Cherki, the young Frenchman who is going to have dozens of suitors this summer.

08:40 PM BST

40 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Dorgu’s sharp cutback just evades Hojlund, sliding in at the near post. United are rampant at the moment.

08:40 PM BST

39 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

United have been good value for their lead and the match is being played in a terrific atmosphere – but Lyon are really, really poor at the back. Any ball over the top is a danger to them, as shown by Bruno hitting the bar a few moments ago. The French club had their moments through Rayan Cherki but this tie is firmly in United’s hands at this moment in time.

Bruno Fernandes hits the bar with a stunning volley.
Bruno Fernandes hits the bar with a stunning volley. – Martin Rickett/PA

08:39 PM BST

39 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Another wonderful effort from Fernandes! Hojlund teed him up, 25 yards from goal, and he cut across a beautiful strike that swerved this far wide of the far post. Perri was nowhere near it.

08:38 PM BST

36 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Fernandes hits the bar! That was an amazing effort. Dalot, in his own half, lofted a fabulous long pass over the defence that dropped towards Fernandes in the area. He watched the ball over his shoulder, then started to slip – but was still able to wrap his foot round a sizzling volley that beat Perri and hit the top of the crossbar.

“If that had gone in I think I’d have run on the field,” says Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports.

08:35 PM BST

33 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (Agg: 3-2)

Akouokou’s long-range shot is held by Onana. Lyon are having a moment.

08:33 PM BST

32 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Good save from Onana! Rayan Cherki almost scores one of the goals of the season! He twisted elegantly away from Dorgu, then beat Casemiro and Yoro smoothly on the edge of the area. That created the opening for a low shot that was pushed away excellently by Onana, plunging to his right.

08:31 PM BST

30 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon (agg: 3-2)

Chance for Maitland-Niles! The two full-backs almost combine for the equaliser. Tagliafico’s cross is flicked indecisively by Yoro towards Maitland-Niles, whose snapshot flies over the bar. It was an awkward chance as it came to him very quickly.

08:29 PM BST

29 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Lyon have dominated possession since the goal. Man Utd won’t necessarily mind that, given their threat on the break, but Lyon do look dangerous whenever Cherki gets the ball.

08:27 PM BST

26 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Maguire’s header from a corner flies just wide, though the referee had blown for a foul by Hojlund.

08:26 PM BST

25 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Garnacho leads a United break, running 70 yards before his shot is deflected behind by Niakhate. He looks really sharp, Garnacho.

Alejandro Garnacho is in the mood.
Alejandro Garnacho is in the mood. – Phil Noble/Reuters

08:24 PM BST

24 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Andre Onana celebrates the opening goal.
Andre Onana celebrates the opening goal. – Carl Recine/Getty Images

08:23 PM BST

22 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Maguire makes an even better block, wearing Almada’s shot in a very personal space. The opportunity again came from a penetrative run infield from Cherki.

The resulting corner is headed towards goal by Akouokou and pushed over by Onana. A comfortable save.

08:20 PM BST

20 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

The dangerous Cherki exchanges passes with Veretout, moves into the area from the right and has a shot blocked by Maguire. That was Lyon’s best attack to date.

08:19 PM BST

19 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Dalot sweeps over from 20 yards after a lay-off from Hojlund. Man Utd are having an excellent spell.

08:18 PM BST

17 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Veretout is booked for a cynical foul on Fernandes, who is starting to run the show.

08:17 PM BST

16 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Superb save from Perri! Casemiro pounces on a mistake on the edge of the Lyon area and cracks a left-foot shot through the legs of Niakhate. Perri sees it late but gets down to his right to fingertip the shot round the post. That’s a brilliant stop.

Casemiro is denied by a superb save.
Casemiro is denied by a superb save. – Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

08:15 PM BST

13 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg: 3-2)

Manuel Ugarte’s opener finished off a lovely move – but that was shocking defending from Lyon. Noussair Mazraoui’s pass was a simple ball over the top, there is no way United should have been allowed a way through to goal from there. Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho did the rest to set up Ugarte but it was far too easy.

Manuel Ugarte puts Manchester United in front.
Manuel Ugarte puts Manchester United in front. – OLI SCARFF/AFP

08:11 PM BST

Goal!

10 min: Man Utd 1 Lyon 0 (agg 3-2; Ugarte) What a fabulous team goal from Manchester United! Mazraoui clipped an excellent pass over the top to find Fernandes on the right. He screwed the ball back towards the edge of the area for Garnacho, who danced round Veretout, resisted the temptation to shoot from the angle and instead cut the ball back in front of goal. Ugarte arrived late to slide it past Perri with his left foot. Apparently Andre Onana ran over to the Lyon fans to celebrate, which isn’t necessarily the brighest idea if true.

08:10 PM BST

9 min: Man Utd 0 Lyon 0 (agg: 2-2)

A neat touch from Hojlund releases Fernandes just outside the penalty area. He doesn’t realise Tolisso is coming up behind him, dwells on the ball and is dispossessed.

08:09 PM BST

8 min: Man Utd 0 Lyon 0 (agg: 2-2)

Fernandes, who has started as the right-sided No10, wins the first corner for United. He takes it himself and Niakhate heads away at the near post.

08:07 PM BST

6 min: Man Utd 0 Lyon 0 (agg: 2-2)

It’s been a lively enough start from both sides, though neither have got behind the opposition defence. This already has the feel of a bum-squeaking night.

Manuel Ugarte challenges Lyon captian Corentin Tolisso.
Manuel Ugarte challenges Lyon captian Corentin Tolisso. – Phil Noble/Reuters

08:05 PM BST

4 min: Man Utd 0 Lyon 0 (agg: 2-2)

Leny Yoro strides over the halfway line and finds Hojlund, who moves the ball wide to Fernandes. His first-time pass/cross is cut out on the edge of the area.

08:03 PM BST

2 min: Man Utd 0 Lyon 0 (agg: 2-2)

Manchester United have unveiled their first giant “tifo” banner at Old Trafford ahead of kick-off in their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon.

The banner was emblazoned with images of Peter Schmeichel, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bryan Robson, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney lifting European trophies, with a firework display accompanying. Over to the players now.

“The club worked with fan representatives on the idea and image. It was then shared with Bruno Fernandes to get the captain’s seal of approval,” said United.

The fireworks means it was a smokey start at Old Trafford when the quarter-final second leg got under way.

08:02 PM BST

1 min: Man Utd 0 Lyon 0 (agg: 2-2)

Lyon kick off from left to right as we watch.

08:01 PM BST

Injury scare for Onana

Apparently Andre Onana left the Man Utd warm-up to talk to the team doctor, but he’s out there and the spotlight is about to be turned on.

07:57 PM BST

Here come the players

There’s a fabulous atmosphere at Old Trafford; everyone in the building knows how big this is.

07:50 PM BST

Ten minutes to kick off

Let’s have a reminder of the two teams.

Man Utd (3-4-2-1) Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund.

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Lindelof, Mount, Eriksen, Shaw, Mainoo, Amass, Moorhouse, Kamason, Kukonki.

Lyon (possible 4-1-2-1-2) Lucas Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Akouokou; Veretout, Tolisso; Almada; Cherki, Mikautadze.

Subs: Descamps, Diarra, Lacazette, Fofana, Tessmann, Abner Vinicius, Kumbedi, Omari, Matic, Caleta-Car.

Referee Sandro Scharer (Switzerland).

07:46 PM BST

Ruben Amorim’s pre-match thoughts

We have to think of every possibility – extra-time, the schedule – when we pick the team.

[On Andre Onana] He just needs to focus on having a good game. He’s a professional, he’s our player and he’s in the starting XI.

[On Lyon] They have a Portuguese coach so they will change something! But it’s the same XI and it will be more or less the same approach.

We need to be really smart. In the last game they left the goalkeeper and Harry Maguire without pressure, and we have to be patient. We know our fans will be anxious for us to go forward but we have to be smart.

07:37 PM BST

Lyon have form in Manchester

Lyon have ex-Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic on the bench, along with former Southampton centre-back Duje Caleta-Car.

The French club have pedigree in Manchester. Before this season, they were the last team to win a European game at the Etihad Stadium when they defeated Manchester City in 2018 courtesy of goals from Maxwel Cornet and Nabil Fekir.

Lyon’s record stood until two months ago when Real Madrid shocked City with two late goals to win 3-2.

Nemanja Matic arrives at Old Trafford.
Nemanja Matic arrives at Old Trafford. – Michael Regan/Uefa

07:31 PM BST

In the spotlight

Andre Onana warms up at Old Trafford.
Andre Onana warms up at Old Trafford. – Martin Rickett/PA

07:14 PM BST

United put summer plans on the backburner

Manchester United’s focus has purely been on finishing their campaign strongly on the pitch, while the club rebuilds off the pitch.

It means contract talks or stepping up moves for summer targets has been on the backburner while United are still fighting in the Europa League. Behind the scenes, the redundancies to staff and the new stadium has been the focus.

United sorted out Amad Diallo’s contract, as his previous terms were expiring with only an a one-year option in place. His future was secured, while Bruno Fernandes signed a new deal just before the start of the campaign. The important contact talks, most notably England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, is likely to wait until the summer. It has not been on the agenda yet.

Kobbie Mainoo will start tonight's match on the bench.
Kobbie Mainoo will start tonight’s match on the bench. – Ash Donelon/Manchester United

07:05 PM BST

‘Two huge rewards’ on offer for United

Ruben Amorim has highlighted the two “huge rewards” for his Manchester United team by progressing in the Europa League.

It seems incredible that United could get something out of this season, given how far they have fallen since winning the FA Cup at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

“There are two huge rewards on offer: the Europa League trophy and the chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League,” he wrote in his programme notes. “Those are prizes worth fighting for.” 

07:02 PM BST

The players on a yellow card

Man Utd Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte

Lyon Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Moussa Niakhate, Nicolas Tagliafico, Corentin Tolisso, Alexandre Lacazette.

Casemiro is one of the players on a yellow card going into tonight's game.
Casemiro is one of the players on a yellow card going into tonight’s game. – Ash Donelon/Manchester United

07:01 PM BST

The prize for the winners…

… is a semi-final against Athletic Bilbao or Rangers, who meet at Estadio San Mamés tonight. The first leg at Ibrox finished goalless.

06:54 PM BST

Amorim: Blame will be on me if Onana call backfires

By James Ducker

Ruben Amorim hopes Andre Onana will justify his decision to recall the under-fire goalkeeper for Manchester United’s make-or-break Europa League tie against Lyon.

Onana sat out United’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle last Sunday because Amorim wanted to give the goalkeeper time to clear his head in the wake of an error-strewn showing in the first leg of their quarter-final against the Ligue 1 side.

The United head coach confirmed Onana would be back between the posts at Old Trafford on Thursday as his side attempt to seal their passage to the semi-finals and keep alive their hopes of Champions League qualification after last week’s 2-2 draw in France, when the Cameroonian was at fault for both Lyon goals.

Read more…

06:52 PM BST

Lyon team news

Lyon rested a number of players at the weekend, when they won 3-1 away to Auxerre. Their manager Paulo Fonseca – who is only able to officially take charge of European games due to a nine-month domestic ban – returns to the XI that started last week’s first leg.

06:47 PM BST

Man Utd team news

Ruben Amorim makes five changes to the side that started at Newcastle. Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund replace Altay Bayindir, Victor Lindelof, Harry Amass, Christian Eriksen and the injured Joshua Zirkzee.

06:43 PM BST

Good evening

Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live, minute-by-minute coverage of the Europa League quarter-final second leg between Manchester United and Lyon at Old Trafford. United’s entire season rests on this. Win and they will stay in the hunt for both a trophy and a Champions League place next season; lose and 2024-25 will probably go down as their worst season since they were relegated in 1973-74.

United drew the first leg 2-2 in France, when Andre Onana was at fault for both Lyon’s goal. He will return tonight after being given the weekend off.

“Onana will play,” said Ruben Amorim in his pre-match press conference. “As a coach and also as a former player, I try to do things that can help a player in this situation. Sometimes we talk about managing players physically. We have to manage them also mentally, but then they have to return to competition and Onana is ready.

“He had one weekend that I felt that it was better for him to not play, and a good thing for Altay [Bayindir] to play. This week, my thinking was to put Onana to play.”

There will be at least one more change to the side that was thrashed 4-1 at Newcastle on Sunday. Joshua Zirkzee, who started up front, was helped off with a season-ending hamstring injury.

As ever United will look their captain Bruno Fernandes for inspiration and creativity. He scored a hat-trick in the last round, when United beat Real Sociedad 4-1 at Old Trafford after a 1-1 draw in Spain.

“If you look at this moment we are not ready to be really competitive in the Premier League and cope with the Champions League,” said Amorim. “But if you are in the Champions League you have a different budget to put a better team for next season. It is something we will discover next year hopefully.”

Kick off 8pm.

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