'Really Good': Amorim reveals why he made a massive gamble in extra time vs Lyon

Manchester United won a nine-goal thriller against Lyon at Old Trafford to qualify for the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

United enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break but Lyon came fighting back, forcing the game into extra time.

They scored two more goals to stun the home crowd, but three goals from United late in the second period of extra time helped script a victory that will be remembered for years.

Kobbie Mainoo delivered a moment of magic in the 120th minute, curling home a stunning equaliser to lift the roof off the stadium.

After just one minute, Harry Maguire headed home the winner to send Old Trafford into absolute bedlam.

Speaking after the game, the head coach Ruben Amorim revealed why he chose Mainoo and Maguire to end the game as strikers.

He said (via TNT Sports): “We tried to put Harry Maguire up front because he is the only one who can score a goal with a header.

“Kobbie Mainoo has a lack of pace in this moment because of injury, but he’s really good in short spaces.”

Masterstroke from Ruben Amorim

Amorim showed great awareness by fielding the duo in attack late in the game.

Mainoo came off the bench for Rasmus Hojlund in the 87th minute.

With Joshua Zirkzee ruled out for the season, the Portuguese coach chose Mainoo to lead the line.

An extra-time goal from Rayan Cherki forced Amorim to throw the kitchen sink at it.

With time slipping away, Maguire was deployed up top in a desperate search for goals, and what followed was pure football theatre.

Mainoo has struggled defensively in a midfield pivot role this season.

The United manager recognised this shortcoming and has lately used Mainoo in an attacking midfielder role.

The 19-year-old is a technically sound player and displayed his superb control in tight situations.

He was surrounded by three Lyon defenders when Casemiro found him with a slick pass.

Mainoo looked unfazed and curled his shot into the far corner, blowing the roof off Old Trafford.

As for Maguire, few defenders in world football can match his aerial dominance, and Amorim knew exactly how to use that to his advantage.

It was a huge gamble from the head coach but it looks a fantastic one after a positive outcome.

The Red Devils will now play Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals over two legs on 1 and 8 May.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .