Manchester United roared back to beat Lyon 5-4 on Thursday night, securing a place in the Europa League semi-finals.
Old Trafford has played host to some memorable nights and Thursday night can be added to the list.
Manchester United drew 2-2 with Lyon in France last week and were looking to secure a win in the second leg of the quarter-final clash.
Everything was going so well as Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot found the net, but Lyon roared back and scored four times to put themselves on the brink of the semi-finals.
United produced a miraculous fightback with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo levelling the tie up before Harry Maguire’s winner sent Old Trafford wild.
United will face Athletic Club in the semi-finals, with Amorim now hoping to go all the way and win the Europa League.
Ruben Amorim on Alejandro Garnacho
United looked down and out against Lyon, but dug deep and embraced the Old Trafford atmosphere to come back and win.
Tired legs somehow came through late on and United were able to secure a passage to the semi-finals.
Any fan would have been concerned as United needed goals late in the day, but attacking options were limited.
Joshua Zirkzee was injured, Chido Obi wasn’t registered to play, Rasmus Hojlund had been taken off for Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho made way for Christian Eriksen.
Recognised attackers just weren’t available for Amorim, and he later opened up on why he left Garnacho on for so long.
The Argentinian was only withdrawn in the 110th minute, with Amorim telling TNT Sports that he was ‘really tired’.
Amorim felt that Garnacho was the only player who could affect the game in transition though, with his speed and dribbling ability creating chances on the break.
Amorim noted that United lack players of a similar profile, so he simply had to keep Garnacho on the pitch for as long as possible.
“You can see that we lack a lot of characteristics in our team,” said Amorim.
“You want to push forward and you see Garna really tired, but you feel during the game that he’s the only one who can make transitions,” he added.
Amorim comments highlight Manchester United need
United boss Amorim has highlighted athleticism as a key factor in why United struggle more in the Premier League than in the Europa League.
Garnacho’s role is clearly very important to Amorim, and his comments point to a key focus in the summer transfer window.
Amorim will want dynamic athletes in the final third who can help United get up the pitch whilst also creating magic in attack.
United don’t really have those options right now, either up front or in the two number 10 roles in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 approach.
Adding dynamic attacking threats must be a priority, and it’s no surprise to see attacking midfielders who fit that bill being linked with Old Trafford moves.
United want Matheus Cunha and will get a close-up look at the Brazilian as Amorim’s side host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday,
RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is also on United’s radar, with both players possessing 1v1 ability whilst offering more of a threat in transition than United’s current attacking options.
Fans may well want a new striker, but adding athleticism and technical quality in those attacking midfield roles is absolutely vital to any future success under Amorim.
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