Manchester United once again blew a Europa League lead as the first leg of the quarter-final ended in a 2-2 draw at Olympique Lyonnais.
It was a frustrating ending for the Red Devils, but an enthralling contest with action at both ends of the pitch.
Each team missed good chances and key to keeping the French side at bay was Noussair Mazraoui, playing once again on the right side of the back three.
No player put their body on the line more than the Moroccan, who blocked three shots, more than anyone else on the pitch.
He also made three tackles, and four clearances, putting him at the top of United’s rankings for both defensive actions.
The 27-year-old was also a thorn in Lyon’s side going forward, attempting the second-most duels of any of his team-mates (eight) and winning half of them.
No United man made more than his four successful duels, all of which were contested on the ground.
He even completed the one dribble he attempted as his fast feet saw success once again – Mazraoui’s contribution to tonight’s spectacle certainly added some excitement,
He also saw a lot of the ball, taking 79 touches – more than anyone else on his side – and was impressive with his distribution.
All three of United’s centre-backs had high passing percentages, and Mazraoui’s 94% completion was only bested by Harry Maguire.
He arrived at this figure by finding his man with 58 of his 62 attempted passes.
United will be infuriated at seeing a lead slip through their fingers in injury time, but remain in a strong position going into the second leg at Old Trafford next week where the home crowd should drag them over the line and into the semi-finals.
All stats taken from sofascore.
Featured image Vasili Mihai-Antonio via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
