Paul Scholes has praised one Manchester United star for a “very difficult” unseen moment as Manuel Ugarte opened the scoring against Lyon in the Europa League.
Manchester United pulled off one of their greatest comebacks to beat Lyon 7-6 on aggregate and reach the Europa League semi-finals, scoring three times in the final 10 minutes of extra time.
With the tie level at 2-2 after the first leg, United came out strong at Old Trafford. Manuel Ugarte opened the scoring following slick play from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, before Diogo Dalot doubled the lead just before half-time.
Lyon responded in the second half, with Corentin Tolisso heading in and Nicolás Tagliafico equalising shortly after. Just before full-time, Tolisso was sent off, reducing Lyon to ten men heading into extra time.
Despite that, Rayan Cherki put the visitors ahead with a stunning strike, and Alexandre Lacazette’s late penalty seemed to seal it. But United weren’t done.
Fernandes converted from the spot, Kobbie Mainoo scored a sensational goal, and Harry Maguire’s header in stoppage time completed an astonishing turnaround to send Rúben Amorim’s men into the final four.
Scholes praises Højlund for unseen moment
When Ugarte knocked United ahead after ten minutes, Old Trafford erupted into applause for the South American, as well as for Garnacho and Fernandes for their involvement in the goal.
Although he praised Garnacho for his “brilliant” assist, former United midfielder Paul Scholes was keen to credit Rasmus Højlund for his work in the area to give Ugarte space to shoot.
“Great movement from Bruno,” Scholes said while reviewing footage of the build-up to the opener. “I actually thought he went slightly earlier, but it’s great timing – Lyon really struggled with this type of movement in behind him. Great bit of movement, spinning behind him.
“I think this is a brilliant touch from Garnacho. Garnacho takes two players out of the game, and then Højlund.. watch Højlund. Great bit of movement for Højlund, and it’s very difficult to fend against the full-back, and Ugate’s there.
“As we said, this team needs goals everywhere, and Ugarte’s got his goal. I think Casemiro’s been dangerous at times as well, a good touch from Garnacho, but that is a brilliant midfield player as well.
“A nice bit of patience, waiting in and around the edge of the area to attack it, and great ball from Garnacho.”
Højlund deserves praise for his performance
Although the Danish international was not on the scoresheet against Lyon, he deserves a lot of praise for the performance he put in at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
Read More: Man Utd five things noticed vs Lyon – This is the start of Rúben Amorim’s era (Europa League)
As former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand stated on TNT Sports’ commentary of the game, Højlund put in an “unselfish” performance that was “one of his best” United had seen in a while.
He held the ball well, played to his teammates and proved himself to be a good asset and outlet when needed, but his display slowed as the tie went on.
He came off after 86 minutes, and the game fell into complete chaos, but hopefully he can kick on, much like the rest of the club.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.