Manchester, April 18
Ruben Amorim revealed that Manchester United's comeback against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final second leg was inspired by the famous 1999 Champions League final win.
Manchester United booked their place in the semi-final of the Europa League in an Old Trafford battle for the ages, edging out Lyon 7-6 on aggregate in the final seconds of extra-time.
"I was watching again the '99, the documentary (when we completed the Treble by beating Bayern Munich with two late goals in the Nou Camp), so to have some inspiration for this moment. But, was a great night. I think the team was tired, and you feel it during the game, and then 4-2 with one more player and, in the end, you think it's over. But here, it’s never over," Amorim told TNT Sports.
The first nine-goal game in Europa League history saw Manchester United let a two-goal lead slip, as ten-man Lyon came from behind to lead 3-2; but late goals in extra time from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire sealed a memorable 5-4 victory (7-6 on aggregate) for the hosts.
"We tried to put Harry Maguire (up there) because he's the only guy that can score a goal with his headers. And then Kobbie Mainoo, he has a lack of pace in this moment because he had that injury and he stopped for a while, but he's really good on short spaces, and then he has the ability to do that kind of goal. And then we try it, and sometimes it works, and today was a good day," he added.