The quarterfinals between Man United and Lyon were not the focal match of this week and European football if they looked at the competition in the Champions League. Besides, the fact that Man United did not lose in the first leg away also made the stress before the ball rolling the ball was not pushed too high.
However, after 120 minutes at Old Trafford, it is undeniable that this match can be considered the most exciting match of the 2024-2025 European football season. It has all the elements: many goals, a series of emotional reversals, drama with a red card, a burst of tears at the last minute with an unimaginable comeback,... In all those developments, Man United is always the main character.
In a season where everything was at the bottom of disappointment, Man United needed a classic match like this to regain confidence, the only thing they still had to reach the Europa League championship goal. If they lose to Lyon right at home, the consequences of spirit, reputation, and finances could be like a collapsed domino chain for Man United.
In the immediate future, Man United must overcome Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, then dream of defeating Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final. In a season with the worst total points of the Premier League era, missing out on the League Cup and FA Cup very early, Man United had to put all their efforts into the Europa League.
If they achieve their goal, they will have a Champions League ticket in hand. Immediately, more than £85 million will be poured into the club's account, not to mention the bonus for later achievements.
However, where is the meaning of money? With a Champions League ticket in hand, Man United will return to the top position in many deals on the transfer negotiation table. This summer will definitely have a big cleaning from Ruben Amorim. Having sold out out out-of- supply stars, plus money and reputation from the Champions League, it is not ruled out that the "Red Devils" will explode the blockbuster this summer.
This victory also paved the way and destroyed the bad public opinion that was aimed at Ruben Amorim and his team after a 1-4 loss to Newcastle last weekend. The British media did not regret the criticism and said that Man United had a very bad psychological luggage before the match against Lyon.
As for individuals like Kobbie Mainoo, he can temporarily eliminate all the bad public opinion that is targeting him. Last month, the young midfielder was involved in a scandal demanding a salary increase to £200,000/week and was criticized by many Man United fans. After that, Mainoo suffered injuries and became more and more cramped. However, with a beautiful curse to equalize 4-4 in the 120th minute, the 19-star could have eased the psychological burden much more.
As for the man who decided the score - Harry Maguire, the former Red Devils captain now does not need to explain anything anymore. There was a time when the English star was rumored to have taken off his shirt to move to West Ham. The 32-year-old centre-back has also been a reserve for a long time but has not complained. He accepted to stay, fight for his position and has now become a true hero of Man United.
Man United will have an obstacle for Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, the opponent is considered much more difficult than Lyon. With the current sublime emotions, Ruben Amorim and his team may not be afraid of anything.
