Manchester United pulls off ‘miracle’ comeback to reach Europa League semifinals in historic fashion

Manchester United’s Europa League campaign seemed dead and buried against Lyon, but three goals in the final six minutes of extra time secured a 7-6 aggregate win.

Moments from the end of extra time, Manchester United’s Europa League campaign seemed dead and buried against Lyon. It looked like this was going to be another low point in United’s dismal season: 14th in the Premier League table and now about to exit Europe’s second-tier competition having thrown away a two-goal lead in the quarterfinal. But from the clutches of defeat, the beleaguered home side somehow rescued an astonishing victory, scoring three times in the final six minutes of extra time to claim a 7-6 aggregate win. United now faces Spanish team Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semifinals, a chance for silverware still very much alive and kicking. “I said in commentary, it’s going to take more than a miracle to get back in it,” said former United defender and TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand. “Now, I’m actually a believer because that was outrageous.” After the first leg in Lyon had ended 2-2 last week, United took a commanding lead in Thursday’s return fixture thanks to first-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot. In between those strikes, Bruno Fernandes almost scored a spectacular volley from Dalot’s long pass, his shot thumping off the crossbar.