Ruben Amorim says he never lost hope in a Manchester United comeback against Lyon after being inspired by watching back the famous 1999 Champions League final win ahead of the Europa League quarter-final second leg.

United produced a turnaround to rival any other in the club’s history in extra-time against Lyon, overturning a two-goal deficit within the space of six extra-time minutes, the last two goals by Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire coming in the 120th and 121st minute.

More remarkably, this followed an almighty capitulation, which saw United throw away a two-goal lead to a Lyon side that were down to 10 players for two of their four goals after the harsh dismissal of Corentin Tolisso.

But somehow, just as Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did against Bayern Munich in the Nou Camp in 1999, United found a way.

“I was watching the 1999 [Champions League final] commentary for inspiration,” Amorim told TNT Sports. “The team were tired. At 4-2, you think it is over, but here it is never over. Here everything is possible.”

Amorim has endured a dismal time at Old Trafford since being appointed mid-season from Sporting, but he is hoping this moment can prove to be a catalyst to salvage something from the campaign.

The United boss says the Premier League, in which his side are 14th with six games to go, will now take a backseat with all attentions on the Europa League and semi-final opponents Athletic Club.

“We need to be really focused on the Europa League and take a risk with the kids in the league. Fans have to understand that we have to focus on the Europa League,” said Amorim.

Asked if there is belief United can win the Europa League, he said: “Yes, you can see it in the stadium. We need luck with injuries. It is going to be tough.

“It is a special moment. We know we are underperforming and deserve all the critics. But we still have time to make something special of this season.”

Fans had already left the ground before Bruno Fernandes kick-started the comeback with his 114th-minute penalty, while others flooded back to their seats just in time to catch last-gasp goals from Mainoo and Maguire.

“I feel for the people that had to leave when it was 4-2 [to Lyon] because of the traffic. They will be gutted!” added Amorim.

“The sound in the stadium for Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire’s goals was the best sound I have ever [heard].

“A lot of people want to keep shirts, I just want to keep that sound. It is the best sound in the world.”