Man United Vs Lyon: Harry Maguire's Extra-Time Winner Seals Epic UEFA Europa League Victory for Resilient Red Devils; Video

In a night soaked in drama, goals, and gut-punching momentum swings, Harry Maguire emerged as Manchester United’s unlikely hero, scoring a dramatic late winner to cap a 7-6 aggregate triumph over Olympique Lyon and fire his side into the Europa League semi-finals.

What started as a rollercoaster turned into a full-blown epic at Old Trafford on April 18, with United edging Lyon 5-4 on the night in a contest that delivered not one, but two comebacks.

Harry Maguire’s moment of redemption

Often a subject of criticism, Harry Maguire turned the narrative on its head with a powerful header in the dying moments of extra time. With the tie hanging by a thread and penalties looming, the centre-back rose highest to meet a Bruno Fernandes ball and find the back of the net, sending Old Trafford into a frenzy and sealing one of the most unforgettable European wins. It was a statement from a player who had gone from scapegoat to saviour in front of a roaring home crowd.

Best moments from Manchester United vs Lyon Europa League match

United came flying out of the blocks, dictating the tempo and carving out chances from the first whistle. Their aggression paid off in the 10th minute when Manuel Ugarte fired home after a slick pass from Noussair Mazraoui. The Red Devils doubled their lead before halftime with a rare goal from Diogo Dalot, who latched onto a long diagonal ball from Maguire himself and finished coolly.

At 2-0 up, the tie seemed under control. But Lyon had other plans. The French visitors refused to go quietly. A spirited second-half charge began with Corentin Tolisso’s strike in the 71st minute, before Nicolas Tagliafico equalised just minutes later.

Lyon completed their comeback in extra time, as Ryan Cherki, curled in a beauty to put Lyon ahead 3-2 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate. It looked like Lyon had completed a miracle.

However, United fought back with Bruno Fernandes scorin penalty to level things on aggregate, followed by a slick team move that ended with Kobbie Mainoo finding the back of the net to tie the match at 4-4 on the night.

With the aggregate level at 6-6, both sides pushed for a winner. And then came Maguire’s defining moment. The header not only won the match for United but also kept their hopes of silverware alive. The win books them a place in the Europa League semi-finals, where they’ll face Spanish outfit Athletic Club.