Ruben Amorim believes Manchester United’s astonishing comeback against Lyon to reach the Europa League semi-final could be the spark to reignite the Red Devils’ fortunes under the Portuguese coach.
United scored three goals in the final seven minutes of extra time in a remarkable contest at Old Trafford to progress to the last four where they will meet Athletic Bilbao after a 7-6 aggregate victory.
Amorim’s team have endured a torrid time this season but all that seemed forgotten when Harry Maguire found the net in the 121st minute of the game to give United a 5-4 win and send the home crowd into raptures.
The hosts had raced into a comfortable 2-0 at half-time through Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot but Lyon hit back with second-half goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico.
Tolisso was then sent off shortly before the end of normal time, however, despite being a player down, the visitors shocked their hosts in extra time with goals from Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette.
United then staged a valiant comeback of their own courtesy of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo before Maguire’s header sparked jubilant scenes in the stands.
Into the semi-finals!#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 17, 2025
It brought an end to what was an enthralling contest at Old Trafford. And Amorim was quick to cite another memorable evening in the annals of United history.
“I was watching again the ‘99 documentary for inspiration for these moments. It was a great night,” said the United boss.
“The team were tired and you feel it during the game. In the end you think it’s over but here [Old Trafford] it is never over.
“I feel that here everything is possible. You feel the environment.”
Amorim admitted that playing both Premier League and European games has taken its toll on the physicality of his squad.
And while the United manager also called for improvement from his side, he said a morale-boosting victory can have wide-reaching consequences but stressed that supporters will need to accept him prioritising the Europa League.
“We have a lot to improve but the character was there,” said Amorim.
“The reflection of the coach is the league. You can be good in European games but your reflection as a team is the league and we are under performing.
“But you have to see the context. You can see that we lack a lot of characteristics in our team. When we play against European teams, you can feel that we can cope better with that [physicality]. In the Premier League we suffer a lot.
“This is one type of moment that can change a lot of things. Sometimes we just look at the tactical aspects, the physical aspects. But these type of moments can change a lot in the players’ minds.
“We will have to be really focused on Europa league and take a risk sometimes with the kids in the Premier League. And the fans have to understand that.”
