'In what world' - Man United boss Ruben Amorim proves Robbie Savage wrong with bizarre tactic v Lyon

Manchester United managed to pull off one of the most memorable comebacks in the Europa League against Lyon, as they were 4-2 down to the French side, who were down to 10 men with just 11 minutes left to play.

Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty, before Kobbie Mainoo netted a goal in the 120th minute, and then Harry Maguire, who was playing up front, scored a late winner which sparked mass jubilation at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim was bold in his tactics against Lyon, playing people out of position to try and get those last-minute goals, which remarkably worked for United. After Athletic Club beat 2-0 Rangers in their quarter-final, United will play against the Spanish side in the semi-finals.

Amorim proves Robbie Savage wrong against Lyon

Many were surprised to see Amorim replace Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho with Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, who he ended up playing up front in the final minutes of the game on Thursday.

Robbie Savage was commentating on the game on TNT Sports, and his reaction was simply: “In what world are Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo up front for United?” However, Amorim’s substitutes worked out, as both Mainoo and Maguire scored to hand United a memorable comeback and keep their hopes of silverware this season alive.

After the game, Amorim was asked about his decision to play Maguire and Mainoo as strikers, even though Maguire is a natural centre-back and Mainoo a central midfielder.

He said: “We put Harry Maguire up front because he is the only guy that can score a header. Mainoo has a lack of pace right now because of his injury. But he is really good in tight spaces and then has the ability to score that kind of goal. Today was a good day."

It is not the first time that Maguire has played up front this season, as Amorim put him there during United’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the start of the month, when he hoped for a late equaliser at the City Ground. On that occasion, Amorim said: “Harry Maguire when he is attacking set-pieces, he is maybe the best player in our team.

“So inside the box you are not a defender, you are a striker. It was the idea to put one man who is really good in the air to score a goal.”

When is the Europa League semi-final?

United will now face off against Athletic Bilbao, with the first leg coming on Thursday 1 May in Bilbao, before coming back to Old Trafford against on Thursday 8 May.

Bilbao booked their place in the semi-finals by beating Scottish side Rangers 2-0 after a 0-0 draw in their first leg at Ibrox. Goals came from Oihan Sancet and Arsenal transfer target Nico Williams.

The winner between United and Bilbao will head to the final, which takes place at Bilbao’s stadium on Wednesday 21 May. If Amorim’s side do reach the final, they will play against either Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, who were surprise winners against Lazio, or Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

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