MUTV pundit says Man Utd duo ‘changed the game’ against Lyon, one made a ‘real difference’

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Manchester United have made leg two of the Europa League quarter-final the biggest game of the season after a draw over in France.

Ruben Amorim will be travelling back to Manchester in utter disbelief over how his team managed to throw away the win against Lyon on Thursday night.

It was the Europa League quarter-final first leg over in Lyon, with United seeing the Ligue 1 side take an early lead as Andre Onana made a massive error, which led to ‘shambolic’ critique.

After going behind, Manchester United returned fire through Leny Yoro on the stroke of half-time. This was before the second half saw United establish a 2-1 lead as Joshua Zirkzee scored for the second European away trip on the bounce.

Rayan Cherki then equalised right on full-time, which meant United drew 2-2 with Lyon, a result which many would have taken with both hands before the game, but post game it looks like a missed opportunity.

United were so close to taking a win to Old Trafford is not for Onana making two big errors in one game, with the performance mostly positive. Several United players were impressive against Lyon, and two names in particular changed the game.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Joshua Zirkzee the game changer for Manchester United

Speaking after the game on MUTV, David May spoke about the game management of Amorim and how the substitutions were game-changing – Zirkzee in particular.

“You mentioned at half-time, would the manager look to make changes, to bring players on who can impact the game.

“You look at Joshua Zirkzee coming on and making a difference. Every young player in football should watch that. Every time you get called into a game, you should come on and make an impact like that.”

May then continued, adding some praise around Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo.

“I think the manager bringing on subs when he did was brilliant. They gave us that little more impetus, a bit more class going forward.

“Mount and Zirkzee coming on changed the game a little bit as well. Great seeing Kobbie back on the pitch; he showed some really nice touches when he came on.”

• READ: Who is Joshua Zirkzee? Meet the 6’4″ Man Utd signing who reminds Thiago Motta of Ronaldinho

Manchester United are about to get much better under Ruben Amorim

So far under Amorim, things have not gone to plan, and not all of this has been the head coach’s fault, with injuries and also a lack of quality playing a part.

However, with the injury returns, coupled with how United have been playing lately, Amorim’s Red Devils could be about to kick on at the perfect time ahead of the second leg.

Mount and Mainoo are likely both starters for Amorim in an ideal world ahead of Garnacho, while United could also be welcoming Amad Diallo back soon.

All of this will improve United, with players who have the qualities Amorim needs, and we are seeing the importance of this with the impact had off the bench.

Keeping these players fit could be the difference between winning the Europa League or not.