Maguire the hero as Red Devils come back from the dead | OneFootball

Manchester United threw away a two-goal lead, but somehow managed to score three goals in extra-time to beat Lyon 5-4 at Old Trafford to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night.

A quite extraordinary finale saw United on course to exit the competition before Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and finally Harry Maguire scored at the end of the extra period to secure a remarkable 7-6 aggregate win.

It looked certain that United were crashing out of the tournament in disastrous fashion, having squandered a two-goal cushion given to them by Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot in the first-half.

Goals from Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico levelled the scores in normal time. however, and - despite Tolisso's 89th minute red card - Lyon scored twice in extra-time through Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty to put the Ligue 1 side 4-2 ahead and seemingly on course for the semis.

United fans began leaving the stadium in droves, but Bruno Fernandes revived United’s hopes when he slotted home a penalty with seven minutes remaining - awarded after a VAR check for a foul on Casemiro that was initially overlooked.

With Old Trafford rocking, Kobbie Mainoo showed remarkable composure to bend a shot into the corner of the Lyon net as the tie ticked into its final minute.

That moment alone was astonishing. But United had no intention of letting the match drift to a penalty shootout.

Under the watchful gaze of legendary ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands, United delivered an ending straight from his famous 1999 Champions League script - Casemiro lofted a ball into the box and stand-in striker Harry Maguire rose to guide a header into the far corner.

It was an unlikely and remarkable victory for Ruben Amorim's side, who will now face Athletic Bilbao in the final four.