On a night filled with tension and disbelief, Manchester United delivered one of their most unforgettable comebacks in recent memory.
The stage was set for a heartbreaking exit from the Europa League, as United trailed Lyon 6-4 on aggregate with just six minutes left in extra time.
Lyon, playing with ten men and having led 2-0, seemed poised to seal United’s fate.
But in a stunning turn of events, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire pulled off an incredible turnaround that secured United’s place in the semi-finals.
The culmination came in the 121st minute, when Maguire’s header sent the crowd at Old Trafford into a frenzy, completing one of the most dramatic finishes in the club’s history.
Rio Ferdinand’s Shock and Awe
Former United star Rio Ferdinand, who was commentating for TNT Sports, couldn’t believe his eyes as the events unfolded.
Reflecting on the extraordinary nature of the comeback, Ferdinand said, “I’ve never seen anything like that as a spectator.
We saw so many fans leaving at 4-2, and I said it would take more than a miracle to get back into it—now I’m a believer because that was outrageous.”
The turnaround was truly mind-blowing, and Ferdinand’s shock echoed the disbelief shared by many watching from the stands and at home.
Paul Scholes Draws Parallels to the Past
Paul Scholes, another United legend, also struggled to comprehend what had just happened.
Drawing comparisons to one of the club’s most famous comebacks, Scholes recalled, “You’ve seen special things happen at this club.
It reminded me slightly of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s goal against Liverpool.
I know that was 2-1 and this was 5-4, but when you get one here, you always feel like you have a chance.”
Scholes was referencing the iconic moment in the 1998-99 FA Cup, when United, trailing 1-0 to Liverpool in the dying minutes, mounted a miraculous comeback.
Dwight Yorke equalized, and in the 92nd minute, Solskjaer came off the bench to score the winning goal, sealing a memorable victory on the way to the Treble that season.
A Night to Remember in European Football
For all the history that Scholes invoked, it’s clear that this Lyon comeback will take its place as one of the club’s greatest European nights.
United manager Ruben Amorim reflected on the shock win with pride, admitting, “At 4-2 with one less player, you think it’s over. But here, it’s never over.”
He continued, “I was watching the ‘99 documentary for inspiration in moments like this.
It was a great night.”
Indeed, it was a night that will go down in history as one of the most dramatic and memorable in Manchester United’s storied European journey.
