Harry Maguire joked that Manchester United “don’t do things easily” after they pulled off a stunning late comeback to beat Lyon and progress into the Europa League semi-finals.
Wins do not often come as chaotic as United’s on Thursday night. They led 2-0 early through Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, before a quickfire pair from Lyon equalised to force extra time.
Goals from Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette in the first half of extra time had United on their knees, before three goals in the last six minutes of the match flipped the result on its head again.
Maguire is no stranger to crucial United goals, and he put his latest successful recovery mission down to the Old Trafford atmosphere. He told TNT Sports: “We made really hard work of it, I must say. We don’t do things easily!
“Half-time at 2-0 up, we had full control. I think even in the second half, I feel like we had chances to score a third.
“Then they score a third out of nowhere, bit of a pinball goal which put us on the back foot and they manage to get that equaliser.”
The centre-back admitted that United’s near-capitulation was below the club’s standards.
He continued: “To go 4-2 down against ten men in extra time is nowhere near good enough, we opened ourselves up too much. They are a good team, have some good forwards, play great football.
“But we dug in, showed great spirit, and that is what this stadium does and to come back like that is an incredible performance from everyone in the final minutes.
“I felt like the fourth goal for them was a real suckerpunch. Even going 3-2 down I felt like we were gonna get chances.
“Obviously [the chance] fell to myself and I put it in the back of the net, which was an amazing feeling.”
United will face Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-final.
