Manchester United reached the Europa League semi-finals in dramatic fashion by beating French side Lyon at Old Trafford, with a number of fans having left the stadium before their heroic comeback
Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee has furiously slammed supporters who left Old Trafford before their chaotic victory against Lyon. United looked to be heading out of Europe on Thursday evening, having collapsed to trail 4-2 on the night against 10 men.
Having drawn the first game in France, it left Ruben Amorim’s side staring down the barrel of an exit. And it appeared that a number of supporters had accepted their fate, with many spotted leaving Old Trafford.
They were left to regret their decision to leave as goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire saw United turn the game around in extra-time and seal a spot in the Europa League semi finals.
And striker Zirkzee has shared his true feelings on those that left. Posting a video of the Old Trafford crowd singing, the Dutchman wrote: "To all the fans who left when we were down. Listen to this."
Zirkzee was not the only one to have a pop at the United supporters in the aftermath of his side’s comeback. Boss Amorim also fired a subtle dig towards those who had exited the stadium.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: "When you saw the goals of Kobbie and Maguire, the sound of the stadium was the best sound ever. You want to keep that.
"I just want to keep that sound because it's the best sound. I look at the fans and they are crazy. I feel sorry for the people that had to leave at the 2-4 because of the traffic."
Despite that, Amorim was more keen on focusing on his side’s heroic turnaround, and suggested that replays of the club’s 1999 Champions League win against Bayern Munich was the inspiration. He added: "It was hard and I was watching again, 1999, the commentary [vs Bayern Munich], to have some inspiration for this moment.
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"It was a great night. I think the team was tired and you feel it during the game and then 2-2 with one more player. It changed everything and you think it's over but here, it's never over.”
Asked if he still had belief after Lyon's rousing comeback of their own, the Portuguese coach replied: "I felt that here everything is possible and then you feel the environment and then after the 4-3, the penalty from Bruno, you feel like we can change the game."
United will return to Old Trafford this weekend as they take on Wolves in the Premier League. They already know their Europa League semi-final opponents, with a tie against Spanish side Athletic Bilbao set to come.