After an enthralling 2-2 draw in Lyon, Manchester United set up a second leg with a lot to play for, with Ruben Amorim’s game-changing subs giving him a future selection headache.
With Ruben Amorim’s side having almost nothing to play for domestically, their entire season seems to be riding on their Europa League campaign.
Last night saw the first leg of their quarter final end 2-2 away in France, but Amorim will be gutted that his side hasn’t left with at least a one-goal cushion after seeing their lead squandered in the 95th minute.
The home side, Lyon, opened the scoring with a free kick Andre Onana won’t wish to see again, before Leny Yoro equalised on the stroke of half time.
Substitute Joshua Zirkzee’s header gave The Red Devils the lead in the 88th minute, which was cancelled out seven minutes later by another Onana blunder handing Rayan Cherki a tap-in.
United substitutes praised for “changing game” vs Lyon
When speaking after the game, MUTV pundit David May had a lot of time for Amorim’s in-game management, and in particular, his second half substitutions.
May said: “You look at Joshua Zirkzee coming on and making a difference. Every young player in football should watch that. Every time you get called into a game, you should come on and make an impact like that.”
The ex-United defender also went on to state that Amorim’s substitutions during the game were ‘brilliant’.
“I think the manager bringing on subs when he did was brilliant. They gave us that little more impetus, a bit more class going forward.” he added.
“Mount and Zirkzee coming on changed the game a little bit as well. Great seeing Kobbie back on the pitch; he showed some really nice touches when he came on.”
Amorim could make United XI changes
During Amorim’s six-month tenure, injuries have plagued the squad relentlessly, but there could finally be light at the end of the tunnel as we are starting to see some key names be reintroduced into the squad.
Recently, the likes of Mason Mount and Luke Shaw have made their way back into the squad, and last night saw the return of breakout star Kobbie Mainoo whose 12-minute cameo captured the eye.
On top of this, April could be the month that sees the re-entry of key players Amad and Matthijs De Ligt, which would give Amorim some much needed quality in the business end of this season.
With Amorim’s recent substitution success, and injury woes lessening, the Portuguese manager’s starting XI’s could be due a shakeup very soon, which could give United fans some much needed excitement.
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