Harry Maguire has written his name in Manchester United history, netting the decisive goal in the 121st minute of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Olympique Lyonnais to complete a 5-4 [7-6 agg] comeback.
After a 2-2 draw in Lyon last week, the Red Devils had soared into a two-goal lead by half-time at the Theatre of Dreams – only for Rúben Amorim’s side to implode and concede twice, forcing a period of extra time.
But despite the visitors being reduced to ten men after Corentin Tolisso was shown a red card, Paolo Fonseca’s Lyon scored twice as they looked to mount a stunning comeback. The Red Devils had other plans, though, scoring three goals inside a frenetic final ten minutes to set up a date with Athletic Club.
Having bagged the winner after a Bruno Fernandes penalty and a curled effort from Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire told TNT Sports that “we made really hard work” of the match.
“At half-time – 2-0 up – we had full control. I think even in the second half, we had chances to score a third and then they scored out of nowhere with a pinball goal that puts us on the back foot. Then they score that equaliser and then to go 4-2 down in ET against 10 men is nowhere near good enough.”
“We opened ourselves up too much. They’re a good team and they’ve got some good forwards, they play great football,” the 32-year-old admitted, “but we dug in, showed great spirit.”
Maguire, who signed for United in 2019, revealed: “As soon as we got the fourth [goal], I felt like there was going to be another chance and obviously it fell to myself. Thankfully I put it in the back of the net, and it was an amazing feeling.”
Manchester United will face Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, with the first leg played at San Mamés – also the venue of this year’s final – on Thursday 1 May before Old Trafford hosts the return leg a week later.