There was one “sublime” performance from a Manchester United star against Lyon that proves he could be Rúben Amorim’s future Old Trafford captain.
Manchester United produced a sensational comeback to beat Lyon 7-6 on aggregate and reach the Europa League semi-finals, scoring three goals in the final 10 minutes of extra time.
With the tie level at 2-2 from the first leg, United dominated early at Old Trafford. Manuel Ugarte struck first after slick play from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, before Diogo Dalot doubled the lead before half-time.
Lyon hit back in the second half—Corentin Tolisso headed in, and Nicolás Tagliafico’s effort levelled the tie. But Tolisso was sent off in stoppage time, giving United a man advantage in extra time.
Despite being down to ten men, Lyon surged ahead through a stunning Rayan Cherki goal, and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty minutes later seemed to seal United’s fate.
But in a thrilling finale, Fernandes converted from the spot, Kobbie Mainoo curled in a screamer, and Harry Maguire powered in a last-gasp header to complete an unforgettable night and send Rúben Amorim’s men into the final four.
Yoro was “sublime” vs Lyon
It feels slightly odd to be praising a centre-back for his performance during a game where their club conceded five goals across 120 minutes, but Leny Yoro was nothing short of sublime on Thursday evening.
The 19-year-old Frenchman’s first season of English football has been about as chaotic as it gets. A four-month injury after a £52 million transfer left the player well behind his peers with respect to his fitness, and it initially took time for him to settle.
However, in the last two months, he has stepped up to prove himself as one of the best teenage centre-backs on the planet, and his display against Lyon, putting his body on the line while staying composed, says so much about him as a character.
In possession, Yoro completed 43 of his 46 attempted passes, having 66 touches and passing five times into Lyon’s final third, while he was only dispossessed once across 120 minutes.
As for his defending, he was only dribbled past once during the tie, while he performed 17 defensive actions. He made nine clearances, four with his head, made nine recoveries and won block, winning three of his four attempted tackles.
Yoro is a future United captain
There is no taking away the fact that Fernandes is United’s club captain and will remain so for the rest of his time at Old Trafford.
There have been plenty of shouts for Matthijs de Ligt to potentially take the armband from Fernandes if he starts to play fewer fixtures or eventually leaves United, but Yoro’s recent uptick in performances and general leadership skills have taken many by surprise.
He is far from the finished article, but United have a history of strong leaders at the back becoming captains of the club, and Yoro may well be in line to join the illustrious list of defensive leaders and captains at Old Trafford.
“Honestly, I don’t understand what’s happened,” Yoro admitted to TNT Sports after the game. “It was crazy! The fans helped us to do it. When you hear the fans, even at 4-2, you know we can do it.
“We needed to believe, and if you don’t believe, you cannot win. This is what the fans deserve – they give everything at every game.
“They’re always here to support us, so I want to say thank you to the fans. Of course, our target is to win the trophy. I am sure we can do it. We will give everything to do it, and this game shows everything until the last minute.”
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