Manchester United delivered a jaw-dropping performance on Thursday night, overturning a two-goal deficit in extra time to defeat Lyon 5-4 at Old Trafford — progressing 7-6 on aggregate in a Europa League quarter-final classic.

Just six minutes from elimination, United mounted a breathtaking late surge. Bruno Fernandes sparked the revival with a VAR-awarded penalty, substitute Kobbie Mainoo calmly slotted in the equalizer, and Harry Maguire completed the turnaround with a towering header to secure a semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao.

“We believed,” said United boss Ruben Amorim. “After the penalty from Bruno, we felt everything was possible.”

The match, now historic for featuring five extra-time goals — a first in European competition — looked destined to end United’s season, especially as they currently languish in 14th in the Premier League.

United had started strong. Maguire's long ball found Diogo Dalot, who expertly controlled and finished off the post to double the Red Devils' aggregate lead before halftime. Garnacho then missed a golden opportunity to kill off the tie, firing straight at Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri despite Fernandes being unmarked for a tap-in.

But United’s defensive frailties soon invited pressure. Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette flicked on a header that allowed Corentin Tolisso to nod home and pull one back. Nicolas Tagliafico then poked in a second at the back post, with André Onana unable to keep the ball out.

Tolisso was later sent off for a second yellow card after tripping Casemiro, but the setback didn't halt Lyon’s momentum. Rayan Cherki fired an unstoppable drive to put Lyon ahead on the night. Moments later, Malick Fofana was brought down by Luke Shaw in the box, and Lacazette coolly converted the penalty to make it 4-2.

At that point, Lyon looked set to progress. But United’s late burst stunned the visitors. Fernandes converted from the spot after another foul on Casemiro. Mainoo, playing in an unfamiliar attacking role, delivered a composed finish to make it 4-4 on the night and 6-6 on aggregate.

Within a minute, Maguire sealed the comeback — rising at the back post to head home the decisive goal and send Old Trafford into delirium.

“In this moment, it is difficult to believe what has just happened,” admitted Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca.

What began as a night of despair for United ended in triumph — and in the record books.