Rio Ferdinand urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe to not 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 result in trail ten-men Lyon 4-2 of their quarter-final tie at Old Trafford.
However the Red Devils scored three goals in the ultimate 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 to him’ and resist the temptation of a summer sale.
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Garnacho was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the course of the January transfer window and reports claim he may very well be sold in the summertime.
But Ferdinand believes it will be a mistake for United to sell Garnacho and insists he can realise his full potential on the Theatre of Dreams.
‘When there’s space to run into, Alejandro Garnacho is usually a real devastating threat,’ Ferdinand told TNT Sports.
‘Yes, he must work on that end product but he’s still a young and improving player so that may come.
‘Persist with him. I imagine Manchester United should stick to 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 time Manchester United needed two goals simply to take the quarter-final tie to penalties however 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 incredible thing. We saw so many fans leaving when it was 4-2 and also you thought that was over.
‘I said on commentary it will take greater 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: ‘What number of emotions do you’ve gotten to undergo?
‘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’re thinking that that’s it.
‘You possibly can see Lyon crumbling, but credit to the best 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 spot within the Europa League final.
United’s Premier League rivals Tottenham contest the opposite Europa League semi-final against Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt.
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