Manchester United showed the mental fortitude Roy Keane accused them of lacking just days ago as they dramatically dumped Lyon out of the Europa League. It looked as though United’s season was going to reach yet another embarrassing low for Ruben Amorim on Thursday night.
The Portuguese boss watched on as his side threw away a two-goal lead to necessitate extra-time, before their French opponents – who had been reduced to 10 men before the end of the 90 minutes – took a 4-2 lead on the night.
Given their struggles this season, no one would’ve expected the comeback United produced in front of a stunned Old Trafford. A Bruno Fernandes penalty offered hope before a smart Kobbie Mainoo finish and a Harry Maguire header completed a remarkable turnaround.
It was seven minutes and five seconds that saved their season and defied club legend Keane’s criticism following their 4-1 defeat away at Newcastle on Sunday. He’d claimed they were “mentally a weak team” after conceding three second-half goals at St James’ Park.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “We keep making excuses for this team. There are not enough players who can run in the team. I don’t think there are players who want to run. Not enough of a goal threat. You’ve got to dig deep, even when you’re up against it and they didn’t do that in the second half.
“We spoke at half-time [about] the big test was to come in the second half. Looking at Newcastle, they’re outstanding, they’re used to winning big games now, they’ve got into a really good habit. United are the opposite. I think United now are physically and mentally a weak team.
“Newcastle were too fast, too powerful, more determined. The pace they had up front, United couldn’t deal with their attacking players and they got what they deserved. Well done Newcastle, they were outstanding but United…
“This talk before the game about there are good signs, they’re getting better. Well I can’t see it and I just saw another poor performance, particularly in the second half, and I worry for this group of players. To me, they don’t look like a strong group mentally.”
While the result doesn’t wholly invalidate Keane’s critique, it shows there is still plenty of fight amongst the squad – even if they need to show it on a far more regular basis. And the tears streaming down Diogo Dalot’s face at full-time go some way to proving that they know how important the end to the season is.
Amorim insisted he maintained belief in his side, channeling the spirit of the treble winners of 1999. He said post-match: “I was watching again the ’99, the documentary, so to have some inspiration for this moment.
“It was a great night, the team was tired and you feel that during the game. 4-2 with one more player and you think it’s over but here, it is never over. Here everything is possible, you feel the environment. After the penalty, I felt that we could change the game.”
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