WORDS Andy Mitten

Manchester United’s run to the Europa League final has been remarkable for several reasons, especially when set against disappointing domestic form. United were the only team among the 108 who entered the league phase of UEFA’s three men’s club competitions to stay unbeaten until the final. They came close to losing games, but a hallmark of their 14-match undefeated journey to San Mamés has been late goals.

The most notable came in the quarter final against Lyon – and in both legs. Joshua Zirkzee thought he’d scored a winner with his 88th-minute first-leg strike in France, but Rayan Cherki’s 95th-minute equaliser brought the sense that this tie was far from over. That’s putting it lightly. In the second leg, a comfortable United side led 2-0 until the 71st minute. A second Lyon goal forced extra time, and two more followed in the 105th and 110th minutes. ‘Manchester United 2 - Olympique Lyonnais 4’ read the scoreboard, enough for some United fans to give up and leave for home convinced their Europa League bid was over. It wasn’t. And the players never thought it was.

To read this full story, plus big interviews with Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Amorim and lots more – get your copy of the official 2025 UEFA Europa League final programme here.