Manchester United pulled a rabbit out of the hat in the final six minutes of extra-time as they came back from two goals down to emerge 5-4 victors against Olympique Lyonnais in their Europa League quarter-final second leg tie.
The match should have been done and dusted in the first 45 minutes when the hosts took a 2-0 lead into the break. They even had chances early in the second-half to put the game to bed.
But eventually their plans collapsed as the visitors scored twice in the space of seven minutes to restore parity and take the game to extra-time.
Despite being a man down, the French side eventually ended up taking a two goal lead in the first period to stun the Old Trafford crowd into silence.
Yoro’s bravery
And that’s when the magic happened. The Red Devils did not stop believing and goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire ensured passage into the last-four against all the odds.
While conceding four goals on the night will not reflect well on the defence, Leny Yoro can hold his head high for the shift he put in on the night.
His brave block in the second-half was worth appreciating as he flung his head in the way of a shot, as the centre-back subsequently needed treatment.
He won three tackles, made nine clearances while completing two interceptions. The Frenchman also made 10 defensive recoveries (all stats via fotmob).
Superb with the ball
Not only that but the 19-year-old won five duels in total while also winning one free-kick. He was most impressive when he had the ball at his feet.
The ex-Lille star confidently strode forward time and again, completing five passes into the final third while also completing 100 percent of his long balls.
He created one chance while also completing 93 per cent of his attempted passes, as Ruben Amorim had demanded from members of his backline.
There were a few errors as well but despite being the youngest member of the backline, Yoro’s impact cannot be understated.
He is improving in each game and hopefully, he can continue this momentum and help the club end the season on a high.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
