2 weeks Ago By Dale O'Donnell
Manchester United took inspiration from their treble-winning season in 1999 when they came from behind to stun Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday night.It was a chaotic night at Old Trafford as Manchester United beat Lyon 5-4 to secure a place in the Europa League semi-finals.Both teams went into the game with it all the play for, after fighting out a 2-2 draw in Lyon last week.
Ruben Amorim named the same starting line-up from the first-leg and United went in 2-0 up at half-time thanks to goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot. They looked like they were cruising until Lyon turned the tables in the second-half with two goals to force extra-time.In extra-time, United target Rayan Cherki put Lyon ahead and Alexandre Lacazette doubled their lead.
But three goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire sealed the win to book a semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty ImagesRuben Amorim uses treble as ‘inspiration’ for Lyon comebackAfter watching his side score three times in the last seven minutes of extra time to knock Lyon out and progress in the Europa League, Ruben Amorim couldn’t help but make reference to United’s iconic treble-winning campaign in 1999.In the 1999 Champions League final, United were losing 1-0 going into added time before two goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took United to the promised land.
That was 26-years ago. Amorim is looking to achieve European success in his first season as United head coach and the team made hard work of their quarter-final decider on Thursday night.“I was watching the 1999 [Treble] documentary to have some inspiration for these moments,” Amorim told reporters after United’s 5-4 win over Lyon.
“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.
”Electric atmosphere at Old TraffordThe build-up to the game was sensational at Old Trafford as there was a tifo unveiled in front of the Stretford End ahead of kick-off.We're Man United and We're..
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twitter.com/HRu08WAT0P— Stretford End Flags (@SEF_MUFC) April 17, 2025 Along with that, United used red-and-white pyrotechnics to mark the special occasion for the team.United fans rallied behind the team on the night and Amorim made note of the atmosphere as the final two goals went in.
Amorim added: “We tried to put Harry Maguire up front because he is the only one who can score a goal with a header.“Kobbie Mainoo has a lack of pace in this moment because of injury, but he’s really good in short spaces.“The sound of the two last goals were amazing.
It is something we can keep for the future. But in the end you go to the semi-finals but you need to win it. We just need to focus on the next stage and try and win the competition.
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