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Ruben Amorim reveals extra-time message to four Man Utd stars before thrilling comeback

Ruben Amorim saw his Manchester United side book their spot in the Europa League final in the most dramatic of fashions after making some unorthodox changes in extra-time

Harry Maguire (L) and teammates celebrate
Harry Maguire was the Manchester United hero in their dramatic win over Lyon(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim prophetically told his players that 'anything could change' with a goal before making the tactical tweaks that helped Manchester United pull off the comeback of all comebacks in their Europa League quarter-final triumph over Lyon on Thursday night.

The Red Devils let a two goal lead slip on the night to make it 4-4 on aggregate, forcing extra-time. And Rayan Cherki fired the 10 men of Lyon into the lead during the first half of extra-time, leaving United on the cusp of an embarrassing exit.


But United and Amorim threw caution to the wind by moving Harry Maguire up front in a bid to salvage their season. And the England star and Kobbie Mainoo, who was also nudged further upfield, were the heroes, with two dramatic goals in as many minutes to send Old Trafford wild after further goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Bruno Fernandes.


In the aftermath of all the drama, Amorim was asked what he told his players before their comeback. And the Portuguese coach said he drove home the message that one goal would be enough to change everything.

READ MORE: Man Utd stars left Old Trafford 'for personal reasons' forcing Ruben Amorim reshuffleREAD MORE: Ruben Amorim makes Man Utd priority clear as he reveals Premier League decision

Amorim said: "At half-time in extra time, was to change the positions. To try to be really clear about the position of Harry Maguire, try to put Casemiro nearer the goal, Kobbie Mainoo near the goal, Mason Mount to cross balls and try to explain that we need to score one goal and anything can change.

"So it’s try to push for the team. But it’s a difficult moment and you have to be really lucky to change the game and I think that was the case today.

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"You think it’s hard (to come back) but you try to make some changes or try to push the players and force yourself to give energy to the players. In this stadium and in this club you always have that feeling that anything can happen and today was another day like that."

Ruben Amorim speaks to the media
Ruben Amorim revealed what was said at half time in extra-time(Image: Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

United's triumph means that Athletic Bilbao stand between them and a place in the Europa League final, with the carrot of a Champions League spot on offer for the tournament victors.


And with United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, Amorim admitted that Europe, rather than the league, will now be United's priority going forward. He added: "It is one type of moment that can change a lot of things. These kind of moments can change a lot in the players' mind.

"We have to be really focused on the Europa League and we have to take a risk with the kids in the Premier League. We have to be tough on that and the fans have to understand our focus is on the Europa League."

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