Manchester United defender Leny Yoro was at a loss to explain how he and his teammates managed to complete their dramatic comeback victory over Lyon on Thursday evening.
United were in cruise control by half-time, with a comfortable 2-0 lead courtesy of Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot. However, this advantage was erased in the second half, as Lyon restored parity through Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Lyon took a 4-2 lead in extra time.
It appeared like United were headed for a humiliating Europa League exit, but Bruno Fernandes’ 114th-minute penalty kick gave them hope. Kobbie Mainoo then curled home an equaliser for the Red Devils to make it 4-4 on the night in the 120th minute.
Moments later, Harry Maguire headed in a winner to send Old Trafford into a frenzy and book United’s spot in the last four, where they will face Athletic Club.
In yet another game, Yoro was top-class, barely putting a foot wrong. The France youth international played all 120 minutes.
He spoke to TNT Sports [as quoted by the Manchester Evening News] and pointed out, “Honestly, I don’t understand what happened.”
“That was crazy, the fans were crazy, they really helped us to do it. I’m really proud of us.”
“When you hear the fans, even at 4-2, you know you can do it. When we scored the penalty, I was sure. That was too crazy to go and win this game.”
The 19-year-old continued, “We need to believe, if you do not believe you cannot win. We gave everything and I’m so glad to win this game. Honestly, this is what the fans deserve. They give everything in every game, whatever the position in the table, they always support us. I want to say thank you to the fans, it’s because of them we won this game.”
“Our target is to win the trophy. We are Manchester United, we need to believe. I’m sure we can do it, we will give everything to do it. This game showed everything until the last minute. That was crazy.”
United return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Featured image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
