"Manchester United storms past Lyon 3-1, securing a Europa League semi-finals spot thanks to Harry Maguire’s last-gasp winner, leaving fans ecstatic and experts puzzling over who was their ‘star man’ in the pulsating clash. Catch the highlight’s and rate the players, as Man United’s season skyrockets in dramatic fashion!"
Maguire’s Miracle: Manchester United’s Incredible Europa League Victory
Manchester United reclaims glory with a dramatic win over Lyon, setting tongues wagging about potential future trends.
In an electrifying Europa League quarter-final clash, Manchester United scored a last-gasp winner against Lyon, courtesy of Harry Maguire, to book their place in the semi-finals. The world of football is abuzz with praise for the Red Devils, but more importantly, the victory opens up fascinating conversations about future trends in the beautiful game.
The Rise of Late Goals: A New Era in Football?
Manchester United’s victory over Lyon is just one of many late thrillers in recent European football. According to football statistics portal Understat, in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League and Europa League, there have been 142 goals scored in the last 15 minutes, highlighting a growing trend of late drama.
Did you know? In the same period, 13.4% of all goals were scored in the final 15 minutes, up from 11% in the 2018-19 season.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on in-game statistics. Teams with high possession and shot counts in the final quarter of games could be prime candidates for late goals.
The Fall of the High Press: Could Slow, Controlled Play Be the Future?
Lyon’s high-pressing style was neutralized by Manchester United’s patient, controlled build-up play. Is this a sign of things to come? Tactics analyst @Thommo_obscur believes so:
"We’re seeing more teams adopt a slower, possession-based game to bypass high presses. United’s win could be a sign that this approach is here to stay."
The Resurgence of the Set Piece Threat
Maguire’s match-winning header was United’s third set-piece goal in the Europa League this season. With the Red Devils now joint-second favorites to win the competition, could they be harnessing a trait of future European champions?
According to FourFourTwo‘s set piece statistics, Manchester United ranks among the top three teams in Europe for set-piece threat.
FAQ
Q: Which player was Man United’s standout performer against Lyon?
A: Brandon Williams’ energy and creativity down the left flank made him a fan favorite, earning a 7.9/10 rating from OneFootball.
Q: How can I watch Man United’s Europa League semi-final?
A: The semi-finals will be broadcast on BT Sport in the UK. For international viewers, check your local broadcasters. For streaming options, visit our how to watch guide.
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Now that the Europa League semi-finals are on the horizon, which trend do you think will shape the future of football? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and explore more of 247sports.new’s top stories.