Amorim's Manchester United makes Europa League history in front of Ferguson

Harry Maguire scored the winner for Man Utd in their Europa League game against Lyon. || Imago/Colorsport

Amorim's Manchester United makes Europa League history in front of Ferguson

Joba Ogunwale 08:32 - 18.04.2025

Manchester United reached the Europa League semifinal, but not without drama. 

Manchester United made Europa League history after their dramatic comeback win over Olympique Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday night. 

How Man Utd pulled off Europa League miracle against Lyon

The Red Devils appeared to be heading out of the competition until Harry Maguire scored the winner in the 120th minute of extra time. 

Amorim’s men were looking for a place in the semifinal, having held the same side to a 2-2 draw in the first leg. 

The Red Devils started brightly as Manuel Ugarte put them ahead in the tenth minute following brilliant work from Alejandro Garnacho. Diogo Dalot then doubled United’s lead on the stroke of halftime to put Amorim’s men in total control. 

It looked like United would see out the game until Corentin Tolisso pulled one back for Paulo Fonseca’s men in the 71st minute. Six minutes later, Nicolas Tagliafico restored the parity for Lyon on the night and aggregate. 

However, just as the momentum was with Lyon, Tolisso picked up his second yellow of the game to hand United a man advantage. Despite that, Amorim’s men could not find the winner, with the match going to extra time. 

United’s one man advantage gave them the edge, but it was Lyon that took the lead through a brilliant strike from Ryan Cherki. 

Moments later, the away side were awarded a penalty, which Alexandre Lacazette duly converted. 

At that moment, United looked down and out despite having a man advantage. However, the Red Devils received a lifeline after they were awarded a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted in the 114th minute. 

Then, in the 120th minute, Kobbie Mainoo levelled the tie with a fantastic strike. The match appeared to be heading to penalties following Mainoo’s strike, but Maguire’s header in the added minute sealed the win for United, sending the Old Trafford crowd, that had Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands, into excitement.

Amorim’s United on the right side of Europa League history 

The dramatic win was a historic one for Amorim’s men as they became the first side to score two goals in the 120th minute of an Europa League match. It was also the first Europa League match to see five goals scored after 90 minutes. 

With the win, United will now face Athletic Bilbao over two legs for a place in the final. 

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