Ruben Amorim names four who players who inspired Manchester United epic comeback win vs Lyon

Ruben Amorim used his brief half-time team talk in extra-time to make tactical changes to his Manchester United side as they came from behind to defeat Lyon. United looked to be heading out of the Europa League at the quarter-final stage when they found themselves 3-2 down in extra-time.

Things then went from bad to worse after the restart when Alexandre Lacazette scored a penalty that made it 4-2 on the night and 6-4 to the Ligue 1 side on aggregate. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty that gave United faint hope of a comeback, before Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire netted in the final seconds of the match to complete the most remarkable turnaround.

United will now face Athletic Bilbao in a two-legged semi-final tie as they search for their first piece of silverware under Amorim and the chance to qualify for the Champions League. It could all have been very different if not for some words of wisdom from the head coach.

What Ruben Amorim told Manchester United players

With his team 3-2 down at half-time of extra-time, Ruben Amorim instructed his Manchester United teammates to make some tactical changes that eventually swung the match back in their favour.

Harry Maguire proved to be the matchwinner as he operated in an attacking role, while Casemiro grabbed an assist for both the Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo goals, and also won the penalty that Bruno Fernandes scored.

Asked after the game what he had told his players to inspire the comeback, Amorim told reporters: "At half-time in extra-time, it was to change the positions. To try to be really clear about the position of Harry Maguire, trying to put Casemiro near the goal, Kobbie Mainno near the goal, Mason Mount to cross balls, and try to explain that we need to score one goal, and anything can change. So we tried to push for the team, but of course, it is a difficult moment, and then you have to be really lucky to change the game. That was the case today."

Even though United were playing against the 10 men of Lyon, it was still an enormous effort to come from behind and win the match in the manner that they did. Amorim would have been forgiven had he given up any hope of a comeback, but he always believed his side could make something happen in front of a home crowd.

He added: "You think it is hard but you try to make some changes or try to push the players and to force yourself to give energy to the players. In this stadium, in this club, you always have the feeling anything can happen. Today was another day like that."