Spurs, Manchester United, and a potential win-or-bust Europa League final | OneFootball

On an unforgettable evening of European football action, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have kept their seasons alive.

Manchester United’s incredible, improbable, win over Lyon was a night that Old Trafford won’t forget. The Red Devils had imploded to blow a two-goal lead against Lyon. Despite being down to 10 men, Lyon led 4-2 with just six minutes remaining of extra time.

Bruno Fernandes restored a glimmer of hope from the penalty spot before Manchester United became the first team in European football history to score twice in the 120th minute to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Ruben Amorim was keen to bring his side back down to earth after Harry Maguire’s dramatic winner but the importance of that goal will not be lost on a coach whose opening months in the Premier League have been tumultuous.

Over in Germany, Spurs edged out Eintracht Frankfurt courtesy of Dominic Solanke’s penalty. Ange Postecoglou, aware of the scrutiny on his position, joked the press would ‘have to put up with me for a little bit longer’ at his post-match press conference. It was an un-Postecoglou-like performance but one that was badly needed.

So here we have it. Two teams in the midst of disastrous domestic campaigns have reached the semi-final stage of their last chance saloon. Manchester United are guaranteed to finish on their lowest points total of the Premier League era, while Spurs – currently 15th in the table – have not finished that low in 31 years.

Though silverware would be welcomed at either club, the carrot of Champions League qualification is arguably the bigger prize to both coaches. A place in Europe’s elite and the associated financial reward that comes with it could serve as the springboard to progress in their respective regimes.

Amorim is likely to have the greater patience, with the 40-year-old having inherited a squad hindered by poor recruitment and unsuited to his specialist system. He’ll be given a summer transfer window, at the very least, though resources could hinge on success in Europe.

For Postecoglou, it feels very much like his Tottenham tenure is on the line. The Australian has spent two seasons in North London and the current campaign has been one of regression.

Spurs have given Postecoglou substantial money to spend in the transfer market but £100m of that came from the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. Replacing arguably Europe’s best number nine is no easy feat, regardless of the money to spend.

The Australian has argued his case all season. Injuries have decimated Spurs, but there has also been a distinct lack of the style associated with Postecoglou teams. Big names have underperformed and tactical mistakes have been repeated. Much of that blame must lay at the manager’s door.

Neither Spurs nor Manchester United will take a place in the final for granted. The latter take on an Athletic Bilbao team dreaming of a place in the decider, set to be staged at their own San Mames Stadium. In Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams, the Spaniards certainly have the tools to achieve that ambition.

Spurs, meanwhile, take on a Bodo/Glimt team who have made a habit of upsetting the odds in recent years. The side based north of the Arctic Circle eliminated Lazio to reach the last four.

That said, Spurs and Manchester United will start their ties as favourites, with the Premier League’s resources dwarfing that of their continental opponents. Should both progress, the stage is set for a winner-takes-all shootout that could have far greater consequences than the trophy itself.

Read – Manchester United’s greatest European comebacks after stunning Lyon success

See more – Amorim says Old Trafford roar ‘the best sound in the world’

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