Manchester United defensive duo of Noussair Mazraoui and Victor Lindelof were forced to leave Old Trafford at half-time against Lyon due to urgent family issues.
It was a triumphant night for United, who staged one of the most dramatic comebacks in Europe to book their place in the semi-finals of the Europa League.
United were leading 2-0 by half-time but their advantage was erased as Lyon restored parity in the second half through Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico. These two strikes forced the game into extra time and despite being a man down, Lyon went ahead as Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette found the back of the net.
It looked like Ruben Amorim’s men were dead and buried but three late goals in extra time from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire flipped the game on its head. United will face La Liga outfit Athletic Club in the last four.
Mazraoui started the match but was taken off during the interval. Lindelof – who was warming up at the break – was due to replace the Moroccan but the change never happened.
Luke Shaw came on for Mazraoui instead, with Lindelof heading down the tunnel.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Mazraoui and Lindelof had to leave the stadium to “address urgent family issues.”
MEN note that the two matters are “entirely independent of each other” and both players are fine.
In his presser ahead of United’s Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, Amorim confirmed as much, adding that everything is now well.
The Portuguese coach told reporters, “He (Lindelof)’s available. He has personal issues, like Nous, so we had to let him go but everything is okay now. I know that football is really important but there are things that are more important and then they will be ready to face the next game.”
“Both (issues arose) during the game and sometimes you don’t control these things. Everything happened this season! But everything is okay now.”
United vs. Wolves kicks off at 14:00 BST.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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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!
