Update: Rio Ferdinand makes bold Manchester United ‘name on the trophy’ claim after ‘miracle’ comeback News

Manchester United came from 4-2 down in extra-time to beat Lyon 5-4 in the Europa League quarter-final second leg and progress to the semi-finals, with skipper Harry Maguire scoring the winner

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has hailed the team’s chances of Europa League glory after their ‘miracle’ 5-4 victory over Lyon, which booked their place in the semi-finals.

In what was a rollercoaster match at Old Trafford, United looked to be heading out after falling behind 4-2 in extra-time against the 10-men of Lyon. However, they staged a remarkable late comeback that will go down as one of the most memorable nights in the stadium’s history.

The Reds had initially taken control with goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, but Lyon hit back through Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico. The drama intensified when Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty put Lyon ahead in extra time.

But United weren’t finished yet. Captain Bruno Fernandes sparked hope with a penalty, followed by Kobbie Mainoo’s stunning equaliser in the 120th minute.

Then, in a moment of pure pandemonium, Harry Maguire headed home the decisive goal just a minute later, propelling United into the semi-finals. Ferdinand, who was on commentary duty for TNT Sports, was overjoyed by the dramatic win and is now backing United to lift the trophy.

“I said it would take more than a miracle to turn this game around and they managed to create that,” he exclaimed. “This football club is steeped in history of big moments and magic moments.

“I’ve never seen anything like that as a spectator. It was an amazing thing. We saw so many fans leaving when it was 4-2 and you thought that was over.

“That connection with the fans was there for everyone to see. Is Man Utd’s name on that trophy? After today you’d be a hard man to argue against that.

“They’ve deserved this. This has been a humongous capitulation. It’s been an embarrassment. This has been an embarrassment. Ten men they have gone down to and they have become stronger.

“They have overrun and overpowered Manchester United. Obviously it’s an incredible game, we made really hard work of it. We had full control in the second half, had chances to score a third, then they scored out of no where.

“It put us on the back foot. To go down 4-2 in extra-time to 10 men is not good enough, we opened ourselves too much. But we dug in and showed great spirit, that’s what this stadium does.”

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