Manchester United 5–4 (Agg: 7–6) Lyon Player Ratings: An Extra Time Drama Filled with Resilience Storms United’s Way to the Semi-Finals in Europa League
The focal point of the world is in the Old Trafford Stadium, located at the heart of a city rich with footballing culture, as Manchester United host Lyon for the second leg of the Europa League. The match is an important one for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United as it is their last route to Europe next season still open. But they have a major challenge in front of them, which is Olympique Lyonnais, who are on a mission to engrave the first French name on the prestigious trophy.
Both teams came to the field to accomplish. The host’s came in with desperation as this presented a last chance for anything resembling success this season and Lyon came in with an aim to move towards the winning podium where no French team has gone towards in this tournament. Amorim fielded his team in the 3-4-2-1 setup, showing resemblance to the squad of the first leg, and Lyon opted for the 4-3-1-2 formation.
Lyon got the ball rolling, and the game was rather monotonous in the initial minutes. United opted to have an offensive approach, and in the tenth minute and Ugarte found the back of the net. Bruno Fernandes, with a solid run on the right wing, made a pass to Garnacho, who, after making a few touches, provided a beautiful assist to Ugarte in the centre of the box, which was easily converted, providing just the lift United needed.
Though Lyon were keen on scoring back, United kept the door closed. Harry Maguire stood tall in the defence by clearing almost every ball that came to his feet. Onana, despite his poor performance in the first leg, proved his worth by stopping a shot which came from the services of Cherki.
During the stoppage time of the first half, United made one last effort, and that led to a well-crafted goal by Dalot, making Semi semi-finals well within the reach of United. Dalot properly collected the long ball, made a run, and made a shot which hit the bar and found its way in, doubling the delight for the hosts.
The second half started with the same intent, and very early, Garnacho made a run which was nothing short of beautiful to make a powerful shot. But to Lyon’s rescue, the keeper stood strong and tall. The game continued with both teams making equal efforts in attack. United was seen as comfortable as they were in a position they wished. However fire of desperation was seen in the eyes of the French side.
This led to Lyon scoring their first goal from a header by Tolisso which gave Lyon a ray of hope for the rest of the match. This goal, along with boosting confidence for the Lyon players moreover added pressure upon the United players and added a layer of panic in the airs of Old Trafford.
Lyon continued the attack, but as earlier, the United defence stood strong. However, this did not stop them. When United refused to open the door, Lyon broke it. They scored their second goal in the 78th minute from the services of Tagliafico, which brought Old Trafford to complete silence. In the 89th minute the Lyon Captain saw the red card which made the match 11v10. At Full Time the score was was 2-2.
The extra time began with Lyon trying to survive with the 10 men and Man United trying to capitalize on their opponent’s weakness. However, most of the bodies and minds became weak, making the extra time dominated in the midfield with a couple of attacks, which did not find the back of the net. Once again, in the additional time of the first half of extra time, the net was shaken. But this time, United got a taste of their own medicine as Cherki scored the third goal for Lyon that bridged the gap towards their win.
Minutes later, Manchester scored three goals in quick succession to get an unbelievable lead to seal their tickets to the semi-finals. Here are the Manchester United vs Lyon Player Ratings.
Manchester United Player Ratings
GK – André Onana – 6.5/10
He showed confidence from the coach despite the errors made by the player in the first leg. Made a stunning save by diving towards his right to defend his goal. Other than that, he wasn’t challenged much in the first half, other than some routine saves. Produced the reaction that was required to any actions of the Lyon attackers. However, once Lyon found the rhythm of the game and started attacking, he could not do anything other than just look as the ball went past him.
CB – Leny Yoro – 6/10
Was good at shadowing the opponent attackers and preventing them from crafting play inside the penalty box. Other than that he was rarely seen with the ball during the first half and did not contribute much as the ball rarely made a visit to the defensive third and whenever it reached there was Maguire to the teams rescue. In the second half he was seen on beast mode as he put his body and soul bravely whenever the ball came against him.
CB – Harry Maguire – 8.5/10
Stood up and kept his eyes firmly fixed on the ball as he was pivotal in blocking the Lyon attacks. Provided a beautiful long ball which accurately came into the boots of Dalot which marked the second goal for the hosts. Did his best by making interceptions and tackles winning the ball for his team. Was the key reason for United’s victory as he somehow scored the late winner after multiple failed attempts.
CB – Noussair Mazraoui – 5.5/10
His long ball on the right flank of the attacking third laid the foundation for the first goal for his team. Other than that, his contributions were minimal in the first half. For this reason, he was subbed off right after the first half.
LM – Patrick Dorgu – 6/10
Tried to dance through and pass across, which ultimately did not work as he planned. Though he was everywhere on the left flank, he did not manage to have a serious impact on the game. It seemed like his teammates lacked confidence in him, as it was seen that he wasn’t given the ball while he was making overlapping runs in the attacking third.
CM – Casemiro – 7.5/10
Had an unlucky day in the office as all the on target shots he made somehow found the fingertips of the keeper. Made a powerful on target shot which was destined to be a goal which to his misfortune was saved by Perri. Made some contributions in the defence, won duels and had a decent display of actions.
CM – Manuel Ugarte – 7.5/10
Opened the account of United as he easily shook the net with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box, marking his first ever goal in the Europa League. Had some key interceptions in the midfield that prevented the opponents from even entering the opponent’s half.
RM – Diogo Dalot – 7.5/10
Was very active in the right wing by constantly providing support to the attack. Was key in providing long passes and winning duels in the midfield. Registered his name in the scoresheet by properly positioning himself in the attacking third to collect the long ball and making a calm and composed finish. Had one of the
AM – Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
He was slippery in the very beginning of the match as he was unable to. Had a significant role in the first goal for United as his run from the right flank proved vital. Made an acrobatic shot that unfortunately hit the post, which, if scored, could have been remembered about for decades as one of his best.
Attempted multiple shots, which were overhit and went off target. Looked good until it came to finishing. Rather than creating pressure for his opponents, his contributions in different areas remained only decent. Came into rescue scoring the penalty giving hope during misery.
AM – Alejandro Garnacho – 6.5/10
Deserved praise as he did some really good work inside the box, receiving the ball from Bruno Fernandes, confusing the defenders, and providing the assist to Ugarte to break the deadlock. Made a selfish attempt even though he had options to pass, making his teammates frustrated with him. Made a beautiful run and put the defender under some serious trouble, but ultimately did not find the back of the net. Frustrated by this, he committed a foul leading to a booking. Except for the assist he made, he was seen as selfish throughout the match.
CF – Rasmus Højlund – 6/10
Set up the possibilities for United in the initial minutes, which were not converted, giving him some dreadful moments. He was seen as visibly frustrated as he failed to make any real attempts and contribute to his team. Lack of contribution led to him being subbed off by the gaffer.
Sub – Luke Shaw – 5.5/10
Sub – Mason Mount – 6/10
Sub – Mainoo – 7/10
Scored when the team needed him the most. Scored the equalizer to make it level.
Sub -Harry Amaas – 6/10
Sub – Christian Eriksen – 6/10
Coach – Rúben Amorim – 7/10
Failed to make proper substitutions even though weaknesses were very evident. Did not have an aggressive mentality even while defending when his team was leading 2-0, which later caused problems as he had to stand on the sidelines and see his team getting destroyed by the opponents. However, his resilience and desperate attacking led to his team having the final laugh.
Lyon Player Ratings
GK – Lucas Perri – 6.8/10
He was just a spectator while the opponents hit the ball past him to score their first goal. Had his hands on a brilliant shot by Casemiro in the later part of the game. Did really well during the set pieces attempted by United.
LB – Nicolás Tagliafico – 7.5/10
Though he defensively failed to make huge contribution for his team, his real role came in the attacking third as he scored the second goal for Lyon that gave them hope to fight for glory. Made a specatcular interception to prevent a United counter attack in the final seconds.
CB – Moussa Niakhaté – 6/10
Though he had a rather slow and bad first half, he came in good shape during the second half by making blocks, clearances, and tackles whenever required. Stood as a tall man during the set pieces, which created trouble for the defenders wearing red.
CB – Clinton Mata – 5/10
Gave away a lot of space in the defence which caused trouble for his team. Did not contribute as expected and was restriced to a limited area in the field making him more of a liability for the team for the match.
RB – Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7/10
Was fully active throughout the minutes in the right flank by making some moves in the attacking half along with some decent performance in the defensive third. Provided assist to a goal and his presence helped the team to gather confidence which was somewhere lost in the game.
CM – Corentin Tolisso– 7.5/10
Got booked for an unnecessary reason in the additional time of the initial half. Despite this, he stood as a role model and did his role as a captain by motivating his team to give a bit more. He was the scorer of the second goal of the visitors as he tapped in a routine attempt. He was astonishingly harshly treated as he was awarded a red card despite of lack of contact.
CM – Paul Akouokou – 6.5/10
He was a surprising addition to the squad as he found his place in the starting eleven. Made his presence felt from the very early minutes by blocking attempts that came from any red jerseys. Had his contributions – large or small, in every aspect of the game. He was one of the only players who had an above-average game during the first half. Ironically was the first one to be subbed off by the coach.
CM – Jordan Veretout – 6/10
Made an unwanted foul in the 18th minute, putting his team at risk for the rest of the match. His style of play was very much restricted due to the booking, and for that reason, he was called off by the coach. He was average in every aspect of the game.
AM – Thiago Almada – 6.8/10
Was key in the attacking third as he was the man behind crafting all the attacks which Lyon made. Hade a playmaker role throughout the match. Though he disappointed in the first half, his desperation did wonders.
CF – Rayan Cherki – 7.5/10
Made a dazzling run towards the goal trespassing all the defenders to take a shot which was goal bound which however was denied by the keeper. Apart from that there were no proper initiatives made to mount pressure on the opponents and put them under some tests. In the extra time after multiple attempts to make it possible, he made a shot from outside the box that mentally broke United.
CF – Georges Mikautadze – 6/10
Had a midfielder role rather than an attacking role as he was seen mostly in the second third of the pitch. Had an average day and was subbed off in the second half.
Sub – Tanner Tessman – 6.5/10
Sub – Alexandre Lacazette – 6.5/10
Scored the penalty that proved vital for his team.
Sub – Malick Fofona – 6.5/10
Sub – Abner Vinicius – 6/10
Sub – Duje -NA
Coach – Paulo Fonseca – 7/10
Had the intent to win. Did not stop knocking on the opponent door despite of multiple failed attempts. His resilience remained key for his team to score 4 goals after trailing. However the team got comfortable after geting a cushion which led to his team losing. Saw whatever he made crumble into ruins.
Sportsdunia Player of the Match is Harry Maguire.
What was the scoreline for Manchester United vs Lyon?
The scoreline for Manchester United vs Lyon was 5-4 (7-6)
Who were the goal scorers for Manchester United vs Lyon?
Ugarte, Dalot, Bruno, Mainoo, Maguire, Tolisso, Tagliafico, Cherki, and Lacazette were the goal scorers for Manchester United vs Lyon
Who was the best player for Manchester United vs Lyon?
Harry Maguire was the best player for Manchester United vs Lyon
Who was the worst player for Manchester United vs Lyon?
Clinton Mata was the worst player for Manchester United vs Lyon
