Luke Littler makes new request to Harry Maguire after dramatic Manchester United winning goal vs Lyon

Manchester United book their place in the Europa League semi-finals after a late winner from Harry Maguire in extra time against Lyon.

The Europa League was gifted to a nine-goal thriller at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Manchester United beat Lyon 5-4 in a game that had everything from nine goals, a red card and multiple comeback attempts.

The Red Devils came from 4-2 down to beat Lyon 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate to progress through to the Europa League semi-final.

Manchester United looked dead and buried when former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette put Lyon two ahead in the 109th minute. It looked like the season was over for United but they sparked a dramatic comeback when Bruno Fernandes halved the deficit from the penalty spot in the 114th minute.

Six minutes late, substitute Kobbie Mainoo equalised to complete the comeback. This had United fans anticipating penalties, but that was before Harry Maguire headed home a minute later.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Luke Littler sends request to Harry Maguire after Lyon winner

It is no secret that world darts champion Luke Littler is a big United fan.

The Europa League games usually take place when Littler is playing the darts on a Thursday night, but that didn’t stop him from keeping close attention to the Reds in their quarter-final decider.

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Following Maguire’s extra time winner, darting sensation Littler took to Instagram to make a special request to the United centre-back.

Alongside a clip of Maguire’s 121st minute header, the 18-year-old said: “@harrymaguire93 can you wear the no9 next year please sir u beauty [love heart eyes emoji].”

Maguire responded by posting Littler’s message on his Instagram story with four laughing emojis.

The England international will be aiming to provide more heroics in the remaining Europa League matches for United this season as they try to go all the way in the competition.

Harry Maguire enjoying unlikely role under Ruben Amoirm

Harry Maguire started the game against Lyon at centre-back but Ruben Amorim decided to push him further forward in extra time when United were desperate for goals.

It worked out in United’s favour as Maguire scored the match-deciding goal, but not many people thought we would be winning football matches by sticking centre-backs up front under Amorim.

This shows how far from ideal the current squad is because Amorim only has one centre-forward to select at the moment. Other than Rasmus Hojlund, United are without another striker following Joshua Zirkzee’s injury.

Kobbie Mainoo is expected to play as a back-up option to Hojlund since he can play in the false nine role, as seen against Lyon this week.

However, Amorim was pleased with Maguire’s input as a forward in the dying stages of the match.

Speaking to reporters after the full-time whistle, Amorim said: “To play a normal game, no. In these moments, it is something that is really important. When I see Harry Maguire and I put him as a striker, I just see one guy that inside the box.

“Is he not good inside the box? In the opposition box he is striker, he is not a defender, he knows how to behave in that space and it is just to put those different characteristics in a different moment.”

It was without a doubt the best win Amorim has enjoyed as United head coach.

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