Manchester United pulled off an incredible comeback to send Lyon packing from the Europa League, showing just the kind of grit former captain Roy Keane said they were missing following their heavy defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.
United overturned a two-goal deficit and fought back in remarkable scenes at Old Trafford to win 5-4 against Lyon. The French side took a 4-2 lead on the night in extra-time, even after being reduced to 10 men before the end of the 90 minutes.
However, Ruben Amorim's team rallied with goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire turning things around in just over seven minutes. This triumph came just days after Keane slated United for being "mentally a weak team" after their 4-1 loss at Newcastle, where three second-half goals sealed their fate.
The Sky Sports pundit said: "We keep making excuses for this team. There are not enough players who can run in the team. I don't think there are players who want to run.
"Not enough of a goal threat. You've got to dig deep, even when you're up against it and they didn't do that in the second half.
"We spoke at half-time [about] the big test was to come in the second half. Looking at Newcastle, they're outstanding, they're used to winning big games now, they've got into a really good habit.
"United are the opposite. I think United now are physically and mentally a weak team. Newcastle were too fast, too powerful, more determined. The pace they had up front, United couldn't deal with their attacking players and they got what they deserved.
"Well done Newcastle, they were outstanding but United... This talk before the game about there are good signs, they're getting better.
"Well I can't see it and I just saw another poor performance, particularly in the second half, and I worry for this group of players. To me, they don't look like a strong group mentally."
Having initially thrown away their two-goal lead on the night in normal time, Keane's criticism certainly remains valid. But the current United crop have taken a first step in addressing his concerns.
And tears of joy flowing from the face of full-back Diogo Dalot show there is some level of care within the squad. Amorim maintained belief in them throughout the rollercoaster ride of a game.
He was chanelling the spirit of the 1999 treble winners, saying post-match: "I was watching again the '99, the documentary, so to have some inspiration for this moment.
"It was a great night, the team was tired and you feel that during the game. 4-2 with one more player and you think it's over but here, it is never over. Here everything is possible, you feel the environment. After the penalty, I felt that we could change the game."
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