“United can still make something special from this season” - Amorim, Fonseca react as United overcome Lyon in classic | OneFootball

Manchester United 5-4 Lyon (AET, 7-6 on aggregate)

Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais played out an all-time classic European encounter on Thursday night, with Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils prevailing against Paulo Fonseca’s side at Old Trafford.

United led 2-0, then went 4-2 down in extra time, before a sensational late rally saw them take the spoils with three goals in the space of around seven minutes, with both Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes on-target for United, who set up a last-4 meeting with Athletic Club.

Hosts United came into the match as slight favourites, having earned a 2-2 draw in France last week. Such a status appeared vindicated when a fast start was rewarded by an opener by former Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte, before Portugal international Diogo Dalot doubled the advantage shortly before half time with a great show of strength to hold off his marker and composure to find the bottom corner off the post from an angle.

United, who again ceded more of the ball to Fonseca’s side, appeared in control as the second half progressed, going close to a tie-clinching third goal through Alejandro Garnacho. However, Lyon turned the match with little warning, through Corentin Tolisso’s close-range header (71’), after which left-back Nicolas Tagliafico arrived at the back post to stun the home crowd (77’) and level the tie.

Lyon held the momentum as the 90 minutes neared an end, with the night producing the same scoreline as the first leg, but an unfortunate red card for goalscorer Tolisso during the closing moments of normal time appeared to stunt the chances of Fonseca’s side. Yet the setback, which saw Tolisso pick up a second yellow for an unintentional clip on Leny Yoro, had minimal impact, as the visitors emerged in extra time with the same superiority.

Fonseca’s ability to change things with the introduction of skilful wideman Malick Fofana and experienced striker Alexandre Lacazette was in stark contrast to Amorim’s limited options on the bench. As such, the United boss found himself replacing tiring forwards Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund with midfield players, leaving United desperately short of attacking threat.

Lyon took advantage, completing their comeback by going ahead through Ryan Cherki (104’) just before the break in extra time; then going 4-2 up though Lacazette’s penalty. United looked beaten, particularly given they had resorted to playing midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the striker position and desperately hurling centre-back Harry Maguire into an attacking role.

Many would argue Lyon were worthy imminent winners, yet what unfolded was a sensational seven minutes in which United produced three goals to book their place in the semi-finals. First, Bruno Fernandes converted from the penalty spot after Casemiro was fouled, after which Mainoo’s superbly-taken equaliser drew the sides level. With penalties looming, Maguire arrived to head home Casemiro’s cross and send Old Trafford delirious.

Ruben Amorim (Manchester United manager)

“It was hard. I was watching the ‘99’ documentary (United’s treble season) to have some inspiration for this moment. But it was a great night. I think the team were tired and you could feel it during the game. Then 4-2, you think it’s over. But here it’s never over. Did I believe? I felt that here, anything is possible.

Asked about United’ ability to produce in the Europa League while struggling domestically, Amorim added: “Of course [it’s frustrating] because 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 underperforming.

“But you have to see the context. You can see that we lack a lot of characteristics in our team. Physically a problem? Yes, I think so. When we play against European teams, you can feel that we can cope better with that. In the Premier League we suffer a lot, it’s completely different.

“We know that we are underperforming, we deserve the criticism. But we still have time to make something special from this season, so we have to think like that and be positive.”

Paulo Fonseca (Lyon manager)

“It is a mix of emotions in my head. Until now, it is difficult to understand what happened.

“I think, first of all, we did magnificent things. We led 4-2 with one player less on the pitch but we celebrated the 4-2 too much when the match was not finished. I think that we lacked emotional balance at this moment. It is the only negative that I can identify.

“We celebrated the 4-2 when there was still time to play. We should have thought about continuing to manage the match. We lacked experience at this moment. I am sad because I thought we deserved more.

“No, I don't regret my changes at the end, because Manchester United started playing long balls, so I had to respond to that. But tonight, in the heat of the moment, I must above all remember that I am proud of my team and my players, of what they did with 10 against 11.”