Rio Ferdinand ‘a believer’ after Manchester United pull off ‘more than a miracle’ in extra time against Lyon to reach UEFA Europa League semi-finals
Published 18/04/2025 at 08:36 GMT+1
Rio Ferdinand had barely caught his breath as he reflected on one of Manchester United's greatest comebacks. This United team is currently a shadow of the ones which used to score in Fergie time, but this rise from the depths of defeat at Old Trafford surely ranks alongside some of their greatest rescue acts from the glory days of their dominant era under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Highlights: Maguire the hero as Man Utd beat Lyon in all-time classic
Video credit: TNT Sports
Rio Ferdinand was left astounded by Manchester United’s incredible UEFA Europa League comeback after recovering from 4-2 down to claim a scintillating 5-4 extra-time victory over Lyon.
Ruben Amorim’s side booked their place in the semi-finals with Harry Maguire's dramatic header in extra-time stoppage time, prompting wild celebrations inside Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Former United defender Ferdinand admits he has "not seen anything like that" since retiring from the game, and was still in disbelief when analysing the match for TNT Sports.
"As a spectator, since I've retired, I've not seen anything like that as either a pundit or doing the commentary. It was an amazing thing," Ferdinand said.
"We saw so many fans leaving when it went to 4-2, and you thought: 'you know what, this is over.'
"I said in commentary that it would take more than a miracle to get back into it, but now I'm actually a believer, because that was outrageous."
There has been precious little for fans of the Red Devils to cheer about this season, with the club’s dismal Premier League performances attracting a raft of severe criticism.
United are guaranteed to finish with their lowest-ever Premier League points total. But the Europa League has been a shining light in a very difficult campaign.
They remain unbeaten in the competition, but that record was severely tested when Alexandre Lacazette fired home an extra-time penalty to put the visitors 4-2 ahead in extra time.
Kobbie Mainoo’s well-executed finish and Maguire’s brilliant header sealed a scarcely believable comeback.
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Maguire scores unforgettable winner for Man Utd - 'One of the most astonishing nights!'
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Opta claims that by doing so, United became the first team in history to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match.
The match was also the first in European football history to see five goals scored in the extra-time period.
Attention turns back to the Premier League for now, with Wolverhampton Wanderers heading to Old Trafford on Easter Sunday before United then travel to Bournemouth a week later.
Focus will return to the Europa League when United face Athletic Club in their semi-final first leg at San Mames on Thursday, May 1 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The second leg will be at Old Trafford a week after that.
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'Here, everything is possible' - Amorim used famous 1999 comeback as inspiration
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TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports and entertainment in one destination.
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