Five things noticed as Manchester United pull off an all-time comeback against Lyon to secure their place in the Europa League semi-finals.
Rúben Amorim chose to start Rasmus Højlund up front as Manchester United welcomed Lyon to Old Trafford in the second leg of their crunch Europa League quarter-final clash.
With the overall fixture poised at 2-2 following the first leg, the Old Trafford tie started with United firmly on the front foot, and it did not take long for Manuel Ugarte to provide his side with a lead after lovely football from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho.
Lyon then looked to grow into the tie as they piled pressure on André Onana’s goal. However, United stood firm, with Diogo Dalot then adding a second on the night just before the half-time whistle blew.
With Amorim’s men holding a strong lead, Lyon predictably looked to throw the kitchen sink at United once the second half commenced, and they finally got their reward as Corentin Tolisso headed in from close range with just under 20 minutes to play.
A few minutes later, Lyon found themselves level after André Onana could not keep Nicolás Tagliafico’s tight effort out, with the fixture heading into an extra 30 minutes of football. However, Lyon saw themselves down to ten men with Tolisso sent off right before the end of the 90 minutes.
Despite being down to ten men, it was Lyon who were able to edge ahead following a fantastic goal from Rayan Cherki. After Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty in the final minutes of extra time, Old Trafford thought it was over.
But, with 10 minutes to go, Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty. Then, minutes later, Kobbie Mainoo scored an absolutely beautiful effort, with Harry Maguire heading home in added time to turn the tie completely on its head and send United into the semi-final of the Europa League.
#1 – Finally, a good start at Old Trafford
Ugarte’s opening goal did not just represent a good start on the night for Amorim’s men, but also the first time in recent history that United have managed to take the lead quickly at Old Trafford.
While there have been other occasions when United have scored first at Old Trafford under Amorim, it has rarely been so early in the tie, and the confidence it gave the Reds was palpable.
As has been the case so often, United capitulated once they felt as if Lyon could get goals back, but they showed their resilience to ultimately grab the win. It feels hard to put into words what Old Trafford just witnessed.
#2 – Confidence is everything to these players
With United very much setting the tone with Ugarte’s opening goal, it is so apparent that confidence means everything with these players.
The opening goal saw United’s players look happy, free-flowing, and much more connected, with the side able to withstand the pressure Lyon pressed before Dalot notched in his effort.
When Lyon were able to pull one back during the final quarter of the 90 regulation minutes, United looked a visibly more fragile team, and with Tagliafico grabbing an equaliser, the whole mood in the stadium shifted.
The end of the game… words cannot even describe what this will do for the club.
#3 – Yoro puts in another sublime performance
Yoro’s talent and ability have been evident for several weeks, with the player evolving into a versatile centre-back capable of playing on both the right and left sides. However, his performance against Lyon was a significant step up from then.
Yoro is emerging as a player with increased authority and leadership on and off the pitch, despite being just 19 years old. Against Lyon, he demonstrated even more control with the ball at his feet, completing several dribbles throughout the tie.
While he started on the left, he switched to the right of defence in the second half, but he didn’t skip a beat. Although the tie capitulated into chaos toward the end, Yoro has cemented himself as a brilliant talent for the future.
#4 – Garnacho had his entire game on display
For better or for worse, Garnacho’s entire game was on display against Lyon.
Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United 5-4 Lyon (Europa League)
The Argentinian international is a player with so much pace and relentless energy, and this was a terror threat for Lyon prior to their two goal in the second half. Unfortunately, his dodgy end product was just as prominent, with the player once again squandering multiple chances.
Thankfully, United were able to make up for the missed efforts, but it must be said that the winger should look to improve his goalscoring abilities.
#5 – This is the start of the Amorim era
After all the issues, losses, and horrid times United fans have been through this campaign, this fixture feels like the start of the Amorim era.
It was a comeback of days gone by, with three goals in the final ten minutes showing, more than anything, that these United players care about this club and this manager.
It feels like, with a win like this, Amorim can finally kick-start his era.
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