Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has revealed how the famous 1999 Champions League final win inspired the 5-4 win over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
The Red Devils delivered a comeback of monumental proportions to recover from a 4-2 deficit to book their place in the last four of the competition.
The hosts took a 2-0 lead in the first half before allowing the visitors to equalise in the second half.
Ryan Cherki and Alexander Lacazette gave Lyon a 4-2 lead in extra time before Bruno Fernandes reduced the deficit to 4-3, and Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire scored two goals in two minutes to give Manchester United a stunning 5-4 win.
Amorim revealed that he never gave up on the team’s ability to turn the tie around, taking inspiration from the club’s famous Champions League win over Bayern Munich in 1999.
He said: “I was watching the 1999 [Champions League final] commentary for inspiration. The team was tired. At 4-2, you think it is over, but here it is never over. Here, everything is possible.
“This is one type of moment that can change a lot of things. Sometimes, we just look at the tactical and physical aspects. But these moments can change a lot in the players’ minds.”
The Portuguese manager revealed that the team will focus on the Europa League now, backing them to go all the way in the competition.
He said, “We need to be really focused on the Europa League and take a risk with the kids in the league. Fans have to understand that we have to focus on the Europa League.
“Yes, you can see it in the stadium. We need luck with injuries. It is going to be tough.
“It is a special moment. We know we are underperforming and deserve all the criticism. But we still have time to make something special this season.”
Manchester United will now take on Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final of the Europa League on May 1st, while Tottenham will battle it out with Bodo Glimt in the other last-four clash.
