Rio Ferdinand urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe not to sell Alejandro Garnacho as Manchester United produced a miraculous Europa League victory over Lyon.
United looked set for an embarrassing European exit after throwing away a 2-0 lead to trail ten-men Lyon 4-2 in their quarter-final tie at Old Trafford.
But the Red Devils scored three goals in the final seven minutes of extra-time to not only avoid penalties but progress to the semi-finals courtesy of a remarkable 5-4 win on the night and 7-6 win on aggregate.
The comeback victory keeps Manchester United’s season and hopes of ending a dismal campaign with a trophy alive.
Ferdinand was impressed with Garnacho’s performance before his extra-time withdrawal and urged Manchester United to ‘stick with him’ and resist the temptation of a summer sale.
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Garnacho was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window and reports claim he could be sold in the summer.
But Ferdinand believes it would be a mistake for United to sell Garnacho and insists he can realise his full potential at the Theatre of Dreams.
‘When there’s space to run into, Alejandro Garnacho can be a real devastating threat,’ Ferdinand told TNT Sports.
‘Yes, he needs to work on that end product but he’s still a young and improving player so that will come.
‘Stick with him. I believe Manchester United should stick with him.’
Man Utd beat Lyon in European epic
Ferdinand was surprised Ruben Amorim decided to withdraw Garnacho during extra-time of United’s clash with Lyon.
Shortly after Amorim’s change, ten-men Lyon scored two goals in five minutes to silence Old Trafford and pile the pressure on Amorim.
At that point Manchester United needed two goals just to take the quarter-final tie to penalties but the hosts scored three – Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire with the goals – to seal an incredible win.
Reacting to the epic game, Ferdinand added: ‘I’ve never seen anything like that as a spectator.
‘It was an amazing thing. We saw so many fans leaving when it was 4-2 and you thought that was over.
‘I said on commentary it would take more than a miracle to get back into it and now I’m actually a believer because that was outrageous.’
Rene Meulensteen – Sir Alex Ferguson’s former United assistant – added on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘How many emotions do you have to go through?
‘Manchester United were down and out. Credit where credit is due with Ruben Amorim.
‘He puts Harry Maguire upfront, against the run of play Lyon go 4-2 up and with the penalty you think that’s it.
‘You could see Lyon crumbling, but credit to the way Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire took their goal. Amazing.
‘Everybody walks away in disbelief. Ruben Amorim couldn’t get into the dressing room quick enough!’
Manchester United will face La Liga side Athletic Bilbao for a place in the Europa League final.
United’s Premier League rivals Tottenham contest the other Europa League semi-final against Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt.
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