United Beyond Manchester

Pain, misery, hope, and elation—Manchester United fans felt all four emotions in a matter of 15 minutes at Old Trafford in the second leg against Lyon. After an incredible 5-4 win, the Reds are ever closer to securing silverware and a Champions League spot next season.

Match Flow

Manchester United started quickly, scoring early from a quick attack. Bruno made a run that caught Lyon out defensively, then threaded the ball to Garnacho, who took a brilliant touch to navigate around the two defenders in the box. Garnacho then laid a perfectly weighted pass back to Ugarte, who made no mistake with the finish to put United up 1-0.

Bruno Fernandes nearly scored the goal of the season in the 35th minute. Diogo Dalot played a ball over the top, and the United captain took the volley over his shoulder, striking the crossbar.

Diogo Dalot doubled United’s lead just before the break. A long ball by Harry Maguire was well found by Dalot, who bullied Nicholas Tagliafico, took an extra touch, and scored in off the post.

Garnacho should have made it three after the half but chose power over placement. He struck a saveable shot from close range at Perri in what became a critical moment in the second half.

Everything began to unravel for United in the 71st minute. Corentin Tolisso latched onto a header to pull one back, and Lyon drew level through Nicholas Tagliafico in the 78th. A botched strike across the goal hit the Argentine left back and crossed the goalline before Andre Onana could get to it. Even if Onana had gotten it away, Lacazette was waiting and put the ball into the net to be sure.

Not even 20 minutes after sparking a comeback for the visitors, Tolisso was sent off.

Despite United’s man advantage, Rayan Cherki’s 104th-minute finish into the corner from the top of the box provided the visitors a shock lead.

Shortly after the half in extra-time, Luke Shaw fouled Malick Fofana in the box, creating a penalty that Alexandre Lacazette scored easily.

Just when it looked like United’s season was crashing to a close, Thiago Almada fouled Casemiro in a scramble in the box. After a lengthy VAR review, United won a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes placed into the corner.

In one of the biggest moments in his young career, Kobbie Mainoo tied the score at four in the 120th minute with a curling effort into the far corner. Then, center-back-turned-striker Harry Maguire completed one of the most stunning comebacks in European history with a header across goal that gave Perri no chance.

5-4. 7-6 on aggregate. Manchester United advance to the Europa League Semi-Finals.

Talking Point

Manchester United are still in the race for Champions League football, despite the challenges they have faced this season. If they had lost this match, their season would have been effectively over. In the next round, Amorim’s side face Athletic Bilbao, who defeated Rangers 2-0 in their matchup. Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt are the other two teams that have advanced, and they are the only clubs that could potentially prevent Manchester United from winning a trophy this season.

The dream is alive.

Next Match

Manchester United host Wolves on Sunday at Old Trafford. Vitor Pereira’s side sit 16th, but are safe from the drop.