Manchester United Survive Lyon Scare, Set Sights on Europa League Glory
Rúben Amorim’s side looked to be cruising at halftime, leading 2-0 and dominating Lyon with ease. By that point, many fans were likely already eyeing travel plans for May’s potential trip to Bilbao.
But football had other ideas.
In a stunning second-half collapse, United squandered their lead, allowing Lyon to claw back and force extra time. Things went from bad to worse as the French side struck twice in quick succession, putting United on the brink of a humiliating exit.
With just seven minutes remaining in extra time, it appeared the Red Devils were dead and buried—but Casemiro had other plans. The Brazilian midfielder dragged United back into the match, playing a crucial role in all three of their comeback goals.
Bruno Fernandes calmly slotted home a penalty to spark hope. Kobbie Mainoo then delivered a sensational equalizer, showcasing composure beyond his years. But it was Harry Maguire—once again rising to the occasion—who sealed the deal with a towering header, giving United a thrilling 5-4 win on the night and a 7-6 aggregate victory.
Amorim Relieved, But Frustrated
While Amorim will no doubt be relieved to see his team advance, he’ll also be frustrated by how close they came to crashing out. Defensive lapses turned a dominant display into a near disaster.
Now, all eyes turn to the semi-final showdown against Athletic Bilbao—and their manager, Ernesto Valverde, has already weighed in on the matchup.
Valverde Reacts: United Belong in the Champions League
Speaking after Bilbao’s recent match, Valverde offered high praise for United, acknowledging the stature of the club and the challenge ahead.
“Manchester United are a Champions League club. Right now, they’re treating the Europa League as their only path to where they belong,” he told Touchline X.
Valverde’s comments, while respectful, may also be a subtle attempt to cast Bilbao as underdogs heading into the tie—a narrative United will happily accept, especially with confidence soaring after their dramatic victory.
A Familiar Face and a Missed Appointment
This clash carries an extra layer of intrigue: Manchester United came close to appointing Valverde back in 2021 following Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s dismissal. The Spaniard, however, never made the move—and now he’ll face the club he nearly joined, in one of the biggest matches of his recent managerial career.
Valverde has a flawless record against United, having knocked them out of the Champions League in 2019 with Barcelona. Amorim and his players will be keenly aware of that history as they prepare for their toughest test yet.
Eyes on the Final—and the Champions League
With Spurs and Bodø/Glimt meeting in the other semi-final, the winner of United vs. Bilbao will likely be favored in the final. United, more than ever, need this trophy—not just for silverware, but for a ticket back to the Champions League, a stage Valverde believes they belong on.
The first leg takes place in Bilbao on May 1st, with hopes high that it could be the first of two trips to the Spanish city before the month is over.
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