Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has insisted that Harry Maguire’s late winner against Lyon to send his side into the Europa League semi-finals can change “a lot of things”.
United led 2-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate after goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, before Lyon levelled the score thanks to Corentin Tolisso and then Nicolas Tagliafico.
Though Tolisso was later sent off, Lyon remarkably raced into a two-goal lead in extra time through Rayan Cherki’s fine finish and a penalty from Alexandre Lacazette.
However, United staged a sensational comeback. Bruno Fernandes halving the deficit after Casemiro was fouled in the box before Kobbie Mainoo finished from close range.
And with a penalty shoot-out looming, Maguire rose high to head into the corner and send United through to the semi-finals to face Athletic Club.
Harry Maguire celebrates the winning goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
“One moment can change a lot of things in the players’ minds,” Amorim told TNT Sports after his side’s chaotic win.
“We have to be really focused on Europa League and take risks sometimes with kids in Premier League. Fans have to understand that, we have to focus on the Europa League.
“Everybody in this moment believes it (winning the Europa League) is possible, we need luck with injuries.
“I was watching the 1999 [Treble] documentary to have some inspiration for these moments. It was a great night, the team were tired, 4-2 with one more player, we think it’s over, but here it’s never over.
“Here everything is possible, you feel the environment. At 4-3, after the Bruno Fernandes penalty, we felt we could change the game.”
Amorim says Maguire’s late winner was followed by the “best sound” he has ever heard, adding: “The sounds of the stadium was the best ever. Some people collect shirts, scarves, but I want to keep that sound, it’s the best sound in the world.
“I feel for the people who had to leave at 4-2 because of the traffic, they will be gutted.
“We know we are underperforming and deserve all the critics, but we have time to make something special of this season”
