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It is one year since Manchester United’s epic comeback victory over Lyon.
One year ago Old Trafford erupted when Harry Maguire headed in a dramatic winning goal to beat Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Late goals are part of the tradition at Manchester United. But this was something else.
After drawing 2-2 in regular time, matching the first leg result, Lyon took a 4-2 advantage in extra-time as defensive errors took over. And then…
114: Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty120: Kobbie Mainoo curls in an equaliser120+1: Harry Maguire heads in the winner
Maguire’s winner was an incredible moment that sparked wild celebrations. The 5-4 win secured a 7-6 aggregate victory. It looked like United’s name was on the trophy – but the team lost the Final.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Should Ruben Amorim have been FIRED right after the Europa League Final defeat?
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images Kobbie Mainoo’s goal showed his quality
Kobbie Mainoo had entered the game as a substitute, and played a key role in the extra-time comeback.
Mainoo’s goal equalised the game at 4-4 on the night, appearing to set up a penalty shootout, before Maguire scored the winner.
Speaking after the game, Ruben Amorim said: “Kobbie Mainoo, he has a lack of pace in this moment because he had that injury and he stopped for a while, but he’s really good on short spaces, and then he has the ability to do that kind of goal.”
Mainoo was not rewarded for his game-changing impact. By this point, Ruben Amorim’s belief in the young midfielder had already waned.
Amorim selected Mainoo for a combined 15 minutes of the two semi-final legs over Athletic Club.
And then in the Final against Tottenham, he brought him on in the 89th minute.
It was not dissimilar to his usage against Lyon, where he was an 86th minute substitute. In this instance, extra-time gave Mainoo an extended chance to make an impact.
Mainoo showed exactly how impactful he could be, but he was not rewarded for his contribution with additional, meaningful game time in the competition.
Amorim’s distrust of Mainoo continued in the 2025/26 season, and the midfielder has only been able to rebuild his career since the head coach’s sacking in January.
Mainoo has established himself as a key player again – just like he should have been all along.
Ruben Amorim’s BIGGEST MISTAKE at Manchester United was ________________
✍️ Fill in the blank…
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images Lyon comeback stands out as bright moment
Even in a successful season, the 5-4 win over Lyon would have been a highlight. But it really stood out in the depressing, miserable 2024/25 campaign.
The Europa League was the one reason to be hopeful amid a mind-numbingly painful Premier League season, where United finished 15th.
Losing the final was incredibly painful too, but the win over Lyon did play a part in keeping the hope alive until the very end.
Would it have been better for United long term if we had lost to Lyon and accelerated Ruben Amorim’s early exit?
It probably wouldn’t have made too much difference. Ineos were determined to see his project through until he made it implode.
Anyone who was at Old Trafford that night against Lyon, or even watching around the world would not swap that moment.
Mainoo’s equaliser and Maguire’s winner are what football is all about.
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