Not Casemiro: Ferdinand demands 'huge respect' for 9/10 Man Utd ace after what he did vs Lyon
Manchester United registered a dramatic 5-4 victory over Lyon in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The Red Devils looked dead and buried, trailing 4-2 with just six minutes left in extra time until chaos unfolded.
Bruno Fernandes calmly slotted home a penalty after Casemiro was brought down.
A stunning curling shot from Kobbie Mainoo brought United level at 4-4 in the 120th minute.
Harry Maguire, who was playing as an emergency striker in the last few minutes, sent the Old Trafford crowd into absolute pandemonium with a precise bullet header into the far corner.
United legend Rio Ferdinand praised Maguire for his strong character and demanded that fans show ‘huge respect’.
He said on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I think you have to show huge respect to Harry Maguire because of the character he has shown.
“His captaincy was taken off him. He has had people questioning his ability during his time at Manchester United.
“He stuck it out and has been able to create a moment like this for himself that he will look back on and go as probably one of the best moments of my career.”
The Red Devils have been in the doldrums for the last two seasons, but Maguire has proved to be an inspirational leader, even without the captain’s armband.
Two years ago, he was on the brink of a move to West Ham United.
Instead, he chose to stay and fight for his place.
While the England international has often found himself under scrutiny, he has shown he remains a dependable squad figure capable of delivering in big moments.
He did blot his copybook with a bizarre decision to duck under the cross for Nicolas Tagliafico’s goal.
He should have also done better in the build-up to Lyon’s third goal.
However, he made amends in dramatic fashion, delivering a match-winning moment that may just define United’s season.
The 32-year-old is known for his quality ball distribution from the back.
He completed eight passes into the final third and even registered an assist with a long-range ball that led to Diogo Dalot’s goal on the stroke of halftime.
He received a 9/10 rating in our post-match analysis.
A defeat today would have left United with dead rubbers for the rest of the season and financially hamstrung in the summer.
Instead, Maguire’s late heroics have handed the club a lifeline, a glimmer of hope in what has otherwise been a turbulent 2024–25 campaign.
Critics have long lined up to doubt him, but after a night like this, it is time fans gave Maguire the credit he truly deserves.
Stats from FotMob.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .