Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said his team can still achieve "something special" this season after a dramatic 5-4 comeback win over Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday sealed a 7-6 aggregate victory and a place in the Europa League semi-finals.
Trailing 4-2 with just six minutes of extra-time remaining and facing elimination, United turned the tie on its head. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to begin the resurgence before Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire struck late, sparking wild celebrations among the home support.
“In this stadium, in this club, you always have that feeling that anything can happen,” Amorim said. “We know we are underperforming and deserve all the critics, but we have time to make something special of this season.”
Amorim, who admitted to recently watching a documentary on United’s famous 1999 treble, likened the comeback to one of the club’s most historic European nights.
With United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the Europa League now represents their only realistic path to Uefa Champions League qualification. Failing to win the competition could leave the club without European football next season, a scenario that would be financially damaging and complicate Amorim's summer transfer plans.
“One moment can change a lot of things in the players’ minds,” he said. “We have to be really focused on the Europa League and take risks sometimes with kids in the Premier League. Fans have to understand that.”
Mainoo, who came off the bench to play as a makeshift centre-forward, scored a composed equaliser in only his second appearance since February due to injury. The 18-year-old is optimistic the momentum can carry United to a European title.
“The performance wasn’t up to the highest standard, but a win like that can bring so much momentum,” he said. “We’re rolling the snowball and it could get bigger and bigger. Hopefully we can go all the way.”
United will play Athletic Club after the Spanish club saw off Scottish side Rangers 2-0 thanks to a Oihan Sancet penalty and a late Nico Williams strike.
Spurs 'never lost belief'
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, easing the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou amid a difficult domestic campaign.
A Dominic Solanke penalty shortly before half time proved decisive in Germany as Spurs delivered a composed performance to advance 2-1 on aggregate.
Postecoglou, who has faced mounting speculation over his future, said the win demonstrated his players' belief in the project.
“Our fans have been through a tough time. Hopefully this gives them something to look forward to,” said the Australian. “I’m the same coach that I was yesterday. The players have never lost belief.”
Solanke, scoring his first goal since January, said the victory offered the club a rare chance to end a 17-year wait for silverware.
“It’s been a difficult season for all of us,” Solanke said. “But now we’ve got a chance to go on and win something, which would be magnificent. On our day we can beat anyone.”
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario echoed the sentiment, saying the result showed unity within the squad.
“Everyone has suffered a lot this season,” said Vicario. “It’s been a tough one but we’re still alive and we want to fight for something special.”
Spurs will face Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in the semi-finals after the Eliteserien club edged past Lazio on penalties. Goalkeeper Nikita Haikin made the decisive save against Taty Castellanos to secure a historic result.
“It’s historic, not only for Bodø/Glimt but for all of Norwegian football,” Haikin said. “Even after I saved the shot, I didn’t realise we’d won – but then I saw the guys running and I started running too.”
