Goodness gracious me, where do we begin?
Do we start with the fact Man Utd raced into a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes to go and found themselves 4-2 down in extra time?
Or should we analyse the fact that the Red Devils rallied to score three goals in six minutes to astonishingly win the game?
There are certain nights like this that occur when following Man Utd. Where you remember why there is a uniqueness to the remarkable, baffling magic that happens at this club.
With everything riding on the line to salvage the 24/25 season, Utd impossibly came back from being 4-2 down with six minutes left to play and qualified for the semi finals of the Europa League.
On a night to remember, here are five things we learnt from an astounding quarter final:
1. Bafflingly Brilliant Comeback
It never feels like it’s straight forward with this Man Utd team but this took the cake.
When Man Utd played ball after ball over the top in the first half, the tie was looking comfortable.
Anything can happen in knockout football as Lyon struck back with two goals in six minutes and then scored two more in extra time.
Amorim went for broke and threw everyone forward with Harry Maguire and Casemiro the aim for crosses into the box. Both players have an underrated ability to threaten up front and create chaos which is exactly what they did.
The resilience from this Man Utd team was incredible. To continue going and believing that they could turn a result around deserves massive credit.
The fact that they executed the comeback was even more staggering.
2. Errors under Amorim continue
There has been problems under Amorim in terms of adapting to the system and finding the right players that work, but there has also been a huge amount of errors and horrendous game management.
With 20 minutes left and the tie looking secured, United opened the door for Lyon just as they did in France.
Defensive mistakes and lapses in judgement have been a constant under the Portuguese manager. The game should have never got the point where Man Utd needed to score three in extra time and they must learn to manage the game better and dictate the tempo.
3. Penalty in extra time changed the game
Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty dagger in extra time put Lyon 4-2 up and at that point Man Utd looked dead and buried.
The Red Devils still piled forward and it paid off with Casemiro’s box presence resulting in a penalty. With the crowd roaring behind them Man Utd pressed on.
The penalty gave Man Utd a lifeline and the encouragement to hunt for an equaliser and then the winner.
In recent years, this Man Utd side seems to rely on leaning into the chaos in order to salvage important games, it was the same when they won the FA Cup last season under Erik ten Hag.
The frustrating aspect is getting consistent performances week in, week out and not just in big games.
But Man Utd’s ability to do it when the chips are down and when it matters is clear.
4. Kobbie Mainoo’s excellent goal
Kobbie Mainoo has not played enough under Amorim as the English midfielder has struggled with injuries.
His goal in the 120th minute was a pertinent reminder that Man Utd have the answer to their central midfield problem right in front of them.
Mainoo is a player who debuted under difficult circumstances before having a crazily successful season under Ten Hag, he’s unfazed by the biggest of games and can deliver the goods when needed.
His FA Cup final goal showed this.
The goal vs Lyon had echoes of his strike vs Liverpool. There has been murmurs of Mainoo and Man Utd stuttering over a new contract to keep him at the club.
The equaliser from the academy talent was another brilliant moment in Mainoo’s short career.
5. Champions League dream lives on
The point of tonight was to get through to the semi-final by all means necessary, though the circumstances were incredulous, Man Utd made it through.
The first season under INEOS has been dreadful with mistake after mistake off the pitch and on it.
However, Man Utd can still somehow, someway qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.
The Lyon game conveyed this isn’t an easy feat, but the manner in which Man Utd came back and won will give them huge confidence heading into a difficult tie vs Athletic Club.
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Source: Centred Devils