Manchester United was able to proceed to the Semi-finals of Europa League after a dramatic Game against Olympique Lyon, at Old Trafford.

What a roller coaster that was!

What atmosphere!!

After the 1st Leg, as I wrote here, my understanding was that United was capable of winning this Game and the 1st half was showing that, after an amazing first 15 minutes.

Then, Lyon took over the match and United struggled (again).

Then, last 10/15 minutes United is back on track and ends the 1st half with a very important goal.

That’s what I thought at the that time – the team is starting to score in the right moments!

But then, the 2nd half starts, a great opportunity for United that is not materialized in the 3-0.

United seemed to have the Game under control and closer to score the 3rd Goal, then Lyon being able to fight for the match.

But, one goal, changed everything.

One goal that started on a pass made by Bruno on the defensive half to Garnacho, to start another counter, that hits Casemiro in his arm (that was my understanding from referees explanation).

Side free-kick, the usual mess at United’s defensive line, and a goal is scored out of nowhere.

Lyon was back on track, and after a few minutes another mess at United’s defensive line, and the playoff is tied.

The entire Game was very much like this.

Teams taking the other teams’ mistakes to punish them.

If there’s one thing this match showed was that – the best and the worst side of both teams.

There’s no doubts that Lyon has some very talented players.

But also some tactical gaps that cost them goals they should easily prevent.

There’s no doubts that United needs more talent.

And Old Trafford took them up when they needed the most.

Statistically, United’s 2nd half was clear, suffered.

28% Ball Possession (!)

And although majority of players had their levels within the 80’s percentage levels, it’s also true that the great majority won only 50%, or less, of their duels.

Garnacho and Bruno struggled, at times, to create more chances.

Højlund keeps trying his best, the 1st time was much better and he could connect the Game with more fluidity, but he finished the Game with zero shots (again). 

Truth to be said, he’s not being fed properly as well.

Dorgu, maybe influenced by having normally the super talented Cherki navigating to his side, was more reserved on the attack, and even when he was there, there wasn’t a lot of combination play between him and Garnacho.

Dalot, one of the best players on United’s side, on the right side, merged a superior physical capacity against Tagliafico with some poor decision-making once on the final third.

Casemiro and Ugarte made their best match together, probably.

The defenders struggled, between an amazing tactical approach (specially from Yoro on traveling with the ball to create superior relationships in the attack) to a complete mess when defending.

The Extra-Time was just the cherry on top of everything witnessed before, more emotional roller coaster to finalize this intense match.

A series of poor decisions, both defensive and attacking, from both teams, that allowed 5 goals in just 30 minutes, including 2 penalties.

All heart driven, non-sense situations, theoretically easily solved.

In some, Lyon sold this playoff really hard and was able to show tactical deficiencies, individual lapses and the lack of depth in the United’s squad.

But was also at this playoff that United showed their very best core-elements, and the Culture that Ruben is trying to bring back (even assuming the above negative points) – the fans, the atmosphere, the resilience, the team-spirit and willingness to win for the Club.

And, honestly speaking, United really needs to get hold of that feeling.

Because only that can be the savior of this Season.

Not the best match, also not the worst.

Some good signs of progress, both tactical and from individual performances, some players got some more minutes, but also some of the worst things we recognize at the team were clear.

In 2 days Unites is facing Wolverhampton, the squad has no depth to be facing these multiple challenges, and cannot afford injuries, which means that we will be seeing changes in the starting XI and that normally means getting jeopardized.

On the other hand, next Europa League’s match is against Athletic Bilbao who I consider to be the greatest contender to win the Competition.

To make even harder, at the Semis United’s first match is in England and 2nd half will be in Spain, where the local fans and atmosphere is also special for Athletic Bilbao.

Meaning, my bet is that the winner of this Semis will conquer Europa League!

Regardless, United’s squad depth (if only individual quality gap wasn’t already enough) will be a great, great challenge to face.

If one thing could be done, I would definitely chose to try at best not to be jeopardized at The Premier League and, definitely, to not get players at risk of any (preventable) injury (ie. For how long Bruno will be playing all matches, at all time? Or Dalot, or Garnacho, among others).

Tough days ahead for Ruben.

If on one side, Europa League is feeding the dream of having better days in the future (sportive and financial), to keep players fresh for that Competition will most likely mean lose Games, probably heavily, which will therefore impact the momentum around the team.

Tough days ahead.

Tough choices to make.

Would United be able to handle the next 3 weeks?

Perhaps recover someone until then?

Let me know your perspective on United chances to conquer the Competition!