Ruben Amorim has revealed that replays of Manchester United‘s iconic comeback vs Bayern Munich was the inspiration behind their miraculous recovery vs Lyon. The Red Devils looked to be on their way out of Europe after falling 4-2 behind to the French side, who had been reduced to 10 men.
Bruno Fernandes restored hope from the penalty spot, with Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire netting late goals to seal an extraordinary comeback – sending Amorim running wildly down the Old Trafford touchline in celebration. Not only does it book United a spot in the Europa League semi-finals but it also sees them keep their hopes of a Champions League spot alive for next term.
Speaking after his side’s stunning win, United boss Amorim has revealed that some stirring comebacks from the club’s illustrious history was a driving force behind their latest recovery. “It was hard and I was watching again, 1999, the commentary [vs Bayern Munich], to have some inspiration for this moment,” he said to TNT Sports.
“It was a great night. I think the team was tired and you feel it during the game and then 2-2 with one more player. It changed everything and you think it’s over but here, it’s never over.
Asked if he still had belief after Lyon’s rousing comeback of their own, the Portuguese coach replied: “I felt that here everything is possible and then you feel the environment and then after the 4-3, the penalty from Bruno, you feel like we can change the game.”
Looking at replays of Maguire’s eventual winner, Amorim could not wipe the smile off of his face and claimed it would be one of the standout memories of his career. He added: “When you saw the goals of Kobbie and Maguire, the sound of the stadium was the best sound ever. You want to keep that.
“I just want to keep that sound because it’s the best sound. I look at the fans and they are crazy. I feel sorry for the people that had to leave at the 2-4 because of the traffic.”
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United will now take on Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals as they attempt to book a Champions League spot. The game brings with it an intriguing statistic given the final of the competition will also be in the same stadium. Asked if there is believe that his side could win the competition, Amorim added: “Yes. You can see the stadium, everyone can believe that is possible.
“We have to be a little bit lucky with the injuries to reach that with some players. It’s going to be tough. The last final I had in my career was in Turin and the semi-final was in Turin so we lost the final so we can change that.”
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