Manchester United Get Double Suspension Boost After Dramatic Europa League Win vs Lyon
Manchester United have received a significant boost ahead of their Europa League semi-final clash with Athletic Bilbao, as key midfield duo Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro both avoided suspension in Thursday night’s dramatic victory over Lyon, according to Manchester Evening News.
United edged past the French side in a thrilling 5-4 win at Old Trafford, securing a 7-6 aggregate triumph to reach the last four of the competition. Goals from Ugarte, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire ensured Ruben Amorim's men kept their European dream alive — and with it, a vital chance to secure Champions League football next season.
However, the victory wasn’t just about the scoreline. Heading into the quarter-final second leg, both Ugarte and Casemiro were walking a disciplinary tightrope. Having each picked up two yellow cards earlier in the tournament, a further booking would have triggered a one-match suspension — ruling them out of the semi-final first leg.
But both players held their nerve and steered clear of the referee’s notebook during a heated and high-stakes encounter, giving United a major boost ahead of their semi-final showdown. The relief is even more palpable given UEFA rules: all accumulated yellow cards are wiped clean after the quarter-finals, meaning Ugarte and Casemiro now begin the semi-final phase with a clean slate.
This reset dramatically lowers the risk of missing the final due to a yellow card suspension, allowing Amorim more tactical flexibility as United prepare to face a high-energy Athletic Bilbao side.
United’s European run now offers a lifeline in what has otherwise been a turbulent campaign. With Premier League inconsistencies leaving their top-four hopes in doubt, winning the Europa League presents not just silverware, but a golden ticket back into the Champions League.
Manchester United Get Double Suspension Boost After Dramatic Europa League Win vs Lyon
Manchester United have received a significant boost ahead of their Europa League semi-final clash with Athletic Bilbao, as key midfield duo Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro both avoided suspension in Thursday night’s dramatic victory over Lyon, according to Manchester Evening News.
United edged past the French side in a thrilling 5-4 win at Old Trafford, securing a 7-6 aggregate triumph to reach the last four of the competition. Goals from Ugarte, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire ensured Ruben Amorim's men kept their European dream alive — and with it, a vital chance to secure Champions League football next season.
However, the victory wasn’t just about the scoreline. Heading into the quarter-final second leg, both Ugarte and Casemiro were walking a disciplinary tightrope. Having each picked up two yellow cards earlier in the tournament, a further booking would have triggered a one-match suspension — ruling them out of the semi-final first leg.
But both players held their nerve and steered clear of the referee’s notebook during a heated and high-stakes encounter, giving United a major boost ahead of their semi-final showdown. The relief is even more palpable given UEFA rules: all accumulated yellow cards are wiped clean after the quarter-finals, meaning Ugarte and Casemiro now begin the semi-final phase with a clean slate.
This reset dramatically lowers the risk of missing the final due to a yellow card suspension, allowing Amorim more tactical flexibility as United prepare to face a high-energy Athletic Bilbao side.
United’s European run now offers a lifeline in what has otherwise been a turbulent campaign. With Premier League inconsistencies leaving their top-four hopes in doubt, winning the Europa League presents not just silverware, but a golden ticket back into the Champions League.
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