Former Manchester United target Yann Sommer turned in a stunning performance as he helped Inter beat Barcelona.
Manchester United are dreaming of a return to Europe’s top table.
United beat Athletic Club 3-0 in the Europa League semi-finals this week, and are looking to finish off the job on Thursday night.
Winning the Europa League would send United back into the Champions League next season, handing Ruben Amorim a boost as he looks to instigate a rebuild.
Amorim was surely watching Tuesday’s clash between Inter and Barcelona, wishing to take United back to these occasions.
Inter won it 4-3 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate as the two sides played out one of the finest Champions League knockout games in recent memory.
Former Manchester United target Yann Sommer shines v Barcelona
Davide Frattesi was the goalscoring hero for Inter, slotting home in extra time to send Simone Inzaghi’s side through.
37-year-old Francesco Acerbi dragged Inter into extra time with a late leveller, before Frattesi won it.
The real hero of the night was Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who produced some stunning saves to keep Barcelona at bay.
It may sound strange to say that the Man of the Match was a goalkeeper who conceded three goals, but Sommer was just that good.
As supplied by SofaScore, Sommer racked up seven saves, two high claims and three punches in a brilliant performance.
The 36-year-old showed up when Inter needed him most, but could have so easily been turning out for United right now.
Reports in the 2022-23 season suggested United wanted to sign Sommer on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Swiss stopper signed for Bayern Munich, but United were back in for Sommer in 2023 as David De Gea left Old Trafford.
Sommer was viewed as an experienced replacement who could help United play out from the back.
Instead, United signed Andre Onana – and Sommer headed to Inter as his replacement in a chain of events which have worked out perfectly for Inter.
Inter will be delighted with Yann Sommer deal
United paid £44million rising to £47million for Onana, reuniting him with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag in the process.
The Cameroonian has struggled to live up to that price tag and has endured a difficult season in the United goal.
Onana is wanted in Saudi Arabia this summer, which may leave United to look for another goalkeeper.
Inter paid just €6million (£5million) for Sommer, as noted by Fabrizio Romano, marking a huge bargain deal and a great example of wheeling and dealing in the market.
Those moves have worked out perfectly for Inter, with their recruitment helping produce a second Champions League final appearance in the last three seasons.
Sommer could end the season as a Champions League winner, and he would have certainly earned it after a stunning semi-final display.
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