Manchester United scored two goals in two minutes at the end of the Europa League quarter-finals against Lyon.
Harry Maguire said the “crazed game” of his life summed up the career of Topsitter Bee Manchester United after he led his team to the Europa League semi-finals by winning Lyon 5-4.
After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, United looked to be cruising to the final four when they led 2-0 at halftime Thursday.
Lyon returned to level 2-2 and sent Corentintrisso out just before the extra time.
However, the 10 men were 4-2, leaving just six minutes of extra time.
Bruno Fernandez’s penalty and Cobby Mineau’s cool finish were levelled at the raucous Old Trafford after Maguire was sent forward as a makeshift striker.
Maguire, who joined United for the Defender’s World Records Fee in 2019, was a lightning bolt for criticism between him and the Red Devils.
He went from club captain to drop out of the team under Eric Ten Hag, and had a hard time hitting the top shape despite being reintegrated since Reuben Amorim took charge.
“I’ve been here for six years now and had some great times, some bad times,” Maguire said.
“I think this game has put together my time at this club, to be honest.
“Getting a winner in such an important game is an emotional game, the strangest and crazy game I’ve ever played or witnessed, and it was an incredible feeling to win that winner.”
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire celebrates by scoring his fifth goal with his teammate [Phil Noble/Reuters]
United will face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals and get a chance to save the season.
Amorim’s men will sit in 14th place in the Premier League and will almost certainly miss European football completely unless they win the Europa League.
“We’re only in the semi-finals, so we don’t want to be engrossed in terms of winning the competition,” Maguire added.
“This season has been extremely difficult for all involved, all the fans, all the players and staff.
“It just wasn’t close enough, and when you get such a moment, and the memories you create like that, I think it’s very important for fans to go home with a smile on their faces.”
The Athletics lost fewer games at Lariga this season than Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Basque also has a special motivation to hold its finals on May 21st at its own San Mamez Stadium.
And Maguire knows United will have to significantly improve their performance against Lyon to make the finals.
“If you want to win this competition, you have to do it much better than that,” England International said.
“We can’t do that and leave it to turn it around in that situation.
“But it shows great spirit, fight, unity. It’s one of the things this group of young people is doing, and they’re giving it everything.”
