Amorim's Bold Claim: Europa League Comeback Signals a New Era for Manchester United

In the pulsating world of football, where drama unfolds like a well-scripted play, it’s the moments of sheer resilience that often become the plot twist no one saw coming. Just last night, as the clock at Old Trafford ticked relentlessly, Manchester United seemed poised for defeat. Yet, in true underdog fashion, they staged a comeback that will live long in the annals of the club’s storied history.

Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese tactician at the helm of United, is no stranger to the unpredictable nature of the game. He knows well the emotional rollercoaster that every match, every goal, can evoke. As United clawed their way back not once, but repeatedly, despite Lyon’s spirited fight, Amorim’s post-match reflections were tinged with a mix of exhaustion and jubilation. ‘You feel it during the game,’ he said, moments when you believe all is lost, yet at Old Trafford, victory is never truly out of grasp.

The match was nothing short of a footballing mini-series. Goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot had seemed to set the stage for a comfortable victory, but Lyon, with the tenacity of a team that knows its worth, struck back through Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico. Amidst a to-and-fro that could make even the most seasoned spectator’s heart race, a late red card, and two more Lyon goals, it was a mere seven minutes in extra time that changed the narrative. Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and then, the crescendo, Harry Maguire’s header, sent the United faithful into joyous pandemonium.

After such an intoxicating evening, one can’t help but speculate if this resurgence could be the catalyst for a revival for Manchester United under Amorim’s stewardship. With physicality taking its toll and the dual demands of domestic and European competition, the manager’s tactical nous is pushed to the brink, yet moments like these can be the turning point that seasons

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.”