While this squad may not be among the legendary teams of Manchester United, it will always be cherished for providing one of the club’s most remarkable European evenings.
Over the years, United has witnessed countless exhilarating Champions League moments at Old Trafford. Although this particular match might not be considered one of the most legendary, it certainly had its share of surprises, thrills, and drama, earning its place in the memories alongside unforgettable clashes with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
The key takeaway: United triumphed over Lyon on Thursday, securing their place in the Europa League semifinals and keeping their season alive.
The journey to this victory will become legendary for the fortunate fans who witnessed it live. The match unfolded in a charged atmosphere from beginning to end, with Ruben Amorim’s team initially dominating Lyon with a 2-0 lead, only to see the score level at 2-2.
A red card for Lyon’s midfielder Corentin Tolisso during regulation seemed to tilt the advantage in United’s favor. However, Lyon managed to score twice in extra time, taking a 4-2 lead for the night and a 6-4 advantage on aggregate, putting them on the verge of reaching the semifinals.
Then chaos erupted. Against all expectations, United surged back from the brink, scoring three goals in a mere seven minutes. After Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty, just 87 seconds passed before Kobbie Mainoo leveled the score at 4-4, followed swiftly by Harry Maguire’s crucial goal.
With each strike, the energy in the stadium escalated, reaching a fever pitch when Maguire’s header found the net in the final moments of extra time, igniting a wild celebration among fans. The home crowd erupted in joy, while substitutes sprinted from the sidelines to join in the ecstatic revelry.
When the final whistle blew, sealing a thrilling 5-4 victory for the night and a 7-6 win on aggregate, the crowd’s roar was so intense it felt as if Old Trafford might collapse under the sheer weight of their elation.
As United considers a transition from its beloved home of 115 years to a more modern venue, the unforgettable Europa League showdown against Lyon in April 2025 will surely be remembered as one of the greatest matches ever played here.
“The atmosphere in the stadium was unmatched,” Amorim reflected. “While some may collect jerseys or scarves, I long to capture that sound; it’s the most beautiful sound in the world. I can only imagine the disappointment of those who left at 4-2 due to traffic; they must be heartbroken.
“We recognize our flaws and accept the criticism, but we still have the chance to achieve something remarkable this season. It was an incredible night; the team was exhausted, and at 4-2 with a player advantage, we thought it was over, but here, it’s never truly finished.
“Here, anything can happen—you can feel the energy.
Once the adrenaline fades and Amorim’s heart rate stabilizes, he will likely let out a deep sigh of relief.
Ahead of Thursday’s match, he emphasized the importance of winning the Europa League for his vision. Claiming a trophy is one thing, but securing a spot in next season’s Champions League would significantly boost his summer transfer budget, a change that is urgently needed.
Amorim stated, “We need to assess the current situation. Our team lacks several crucial qualities, and physicality is a major concern. While we perform better against European teams, we face significant challenges in the Premier League.”
He added, “A single moment can drastically change the players’ mindset. We must stay intensely focused on the Europa League and be open to taking risks with younger players in the Premier League. It’s essential for fans to understand that our main focus is the Europa League.”
“At this moment, everyone feels that victory is within our grasp.”
For now, the United coach can find comfort in knowing that his players have the determination and spirit needed to compete for a trophy in Bilbao on May 21.
First, there’s a two-legged semifinal match against Athletic Club to get through, and it would feel really disappointing to have fought so hard against Lyon only to stumble at the next step.
But that’s what makes this season for United both exciting and frustrating. They can beat Manchester City one day and then lose to Wolves the next. They managed to win against Arsenal but then fell short against West Ham.
The highs and lows were all present in the unforgettable game against Lyon, which should be part of a journey leading to the Europa League final and United’s first trophy under Amorim.
However, he now realizes more than anyone that with this Manchester United team, anything can happen.
