2 weeks Ago By Dale O'Donnell
Manchester United booked a place in the Europa League semi-final in dramatic fashion.After a closely fought first-leg in France, Manchester United beat Lyon 5-4 at Old Trafford to progress in the Europa League on Thursday night.The Red Devils held a two-goal lead after goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, but they threw that away in a matter of six minutes during the second half when Corentin Tolisso and Nicholas Tagliafico found the back of the net to force extra-time.
Lyon went from being dead and buried to leading the tie 4-2 after goals from Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette, however, that was before United found a new lease of life.Bruno Fernandes scored from a spot-kick before Kobbie Mainoo calmy finished to make it 4-4.United fans erupted inside Old Trafford at the very end when Harry Maguire found his header in the back of the net to schedule a semi-final tie against Athletic Bilbao.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesRene Meulensteen reacts to Manchester United winFormer Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen gave his two pence on United’s chaotic 5-4 win over Lyon for BBC Sport’s match coverage.It was a quarter-final tie of many emotions as United thought they had their work done at half-time when they went in at 2-0, but Lyon found a way back into the game and weren’t setback by being reduced to 10 men.Please let us have a moment for this finish from Kobbie Mainoo.
Unbelievable composure 🤯 #MUFC #UEL pic.twitter.com/h9TwKHCfi3— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) April 17, 2025 The scenes at the end were some of the best witnessed at Old Trafford this season and we have another big occasion on the cards when the Red Devils host Bilbao in the semi-finals.
Reflected on the game, Meulensteen said: “Manchester United were down and out. Credit where credit is due with Ruben Amorim.“He puts Harry Maguire up front, against the run of play Lyon go 4-2 up and with the penalty you think that’s it.
”But it wasn’t and United battled on to make it a night to remember.Meulensteen hails Kobbie Mainoo and Harry MaguireIn his post-match analysis, Meulensteen was correct to point out how Ruben Amorim’s decision to put Maguire up front changed the game for the better.Meulensteen paid credit to Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire for inspiring the win late on.
He also noticed how the manager was keen to get into the dressing room after the full-time whistle.Meulensteen added: “You could see Lyon crumbling, but credit to the way Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire took their goal.“Amazing.
Everyone walks away in disbelief. Ruben Amorim couldn’t get into the dressing room quick enough!”Amorim would have wanted to celebrate the moment with the United first-team after what has been a difficult campaign for everyone connected to the club..
