Manchester United have booked a place in the Europa League semi-finals after a dramatic comeback against Lyon.
Thursday night produced one of the truly memorable nights at Old Trafford as Manchester United came back from the brink against Lyon.
United drew 2-2 against Lyon last week but took a 2-0 lead on Thursday, appearing to book a place in the semi-finals.
Lyon not only made it 2-2 on the night, but then bagged two extra-time goals with 10 men to leave United on the verge of elimination.
United pulled back level through Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo before Harry Maguire headed home the winner, sparking wild scenes inside Old Trafford.
Three goals in seven minutes saw United flip the game on its head and book a semi-final clash with Athletic Club.
- READ MORE: Manchester United fans name man of the match in 5-4 win over Lyon, two players split the vote
Ruben Amorim explains difference in Manchester United displays
Thursday night summed up United right now; hope replaced with despair before moments of pure euphoria.
It’s difficult to tell just who the real United are, but few will care right now after a staggering night at Old Trafford.
United now face Athletic Club in the semi-finals, with the La Liga side chasing a place in a home final in Bilbao.
This will be a tough test for Amorim, who has now commented on the difference between United’s Premier League and Europa League records.
Thursday’s comeback means United remain unbeaten in the Europa League this season, whereas the Premier League campaign has brought 14 defeats in 32 games.
Amorim told TNT Sports that he feels there is a clear difference in the physical intensity required between the Premier League and Europa League.
Amorim believes United ‘cope better’ with European action from an athletic perspective, with the speed and power across the pitch not quite as high as in the Premier League.
The United boss feels his side ‘suffer’ in the Premier League on that front, potentially hinting that he needs more athleticism across the pitch this summer.
“I think we started well, but we are not really consistent to maintain the game in the same way for a long time,” said Amorim.
“When I feel that the team is a little bit tired, we drop a lot, but we have experienced games against Arsenal and Manchester City, we can defend quite well in these moments.
“The reflection of the coach is the league. You can be good in European games, but your reflection as a team is the league and we are underperforming.
“I think so, yeah,” added Amorim when asked by Paul Scholes whether pace and power were the problem.
“When we play against European teams, you can feel that we can cope better with that. In the Premier League, we suffer a lot.
“We can play good, but sometimes to create chances, to let the players go one against one with three defenders at the back, we tried to do it today and managed to do it sometimes, but in the Premier League it’s completely different,” he added.
Athleticism must be United’s focus in summer transfer window
We can understand Amorim’s concerns here.
United’s midfield two of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro did plenty of fine work against Lyon, but they sometimes struggle with the frantic pace of Premier League action.
Bruno Fernandes is United’s best player, but he isn’t a truly explosive athlete, and Alejandro Garnacho is often left as the only player who can play in transition and create havoc in 1v1 situations.
United must add more speed, power and athleticism this summer across the pitch; legs in midfield, speed on the flanks, 1v1 talent in the final third.
The Premier League is a different beast to the Europa League and Amorim’s comments leave us believing that athletic quality will be his focus during the summer transfer window.
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