The atmosphere for Manchester United’s quarter-final second leg against Olympique Lyonnais was electric at times and played a huge part as the Red Devils pulled off a miraculous come-from-behind win in extra time.
It was the first time United unfurled a tifo banner before the game, and as per the club, a similar sort of arrangement is expected on Thursday before the semi-final second leg against Athletic Club.
Once again, the club and fan groups got together to approve the design after the proposal was passed by club captain Bruno Fernandes.
The tifo will be raised from the ground towards the roof in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand near the halfway line. The tifo unfurling will be followed by a pyrotechnics show.
Another tifo
The theme and message of the tifo is being kept under wraps for maximum impact.
“A new tifo banner is being prepared by the club and fan groups after the proposal was approved by captain Bruno Fernandes. The exact design will not be revealed until the night, to preserve the impact of the moment.
“Positioned on the halfway line in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, the tifo will be hoisted from the ground to the roof with colourful pyrotechnics blasting into the sky on either side, creating an awe-inspiring scene as the players walk.”
United lead the tie 3-0 after a marvellous showing away at Bilbao where Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes showed their class in a pulsating opening 45 minutes.
Huge game coming up
But senior stars like the Brazilian and Harry Maguire have kept reminding the fans and teammates that the tie is not over and players must not become complacent.
It has been a disastrous Premier League campaign for the Red Devils who are languishing in 15th position after their loss to Brentford last weekend.
United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League rest on their Europa campaign and Amorim will be desperate to get over the line against the Spanish side.
The final is slated to be held at Bilbao on May 21. Tottenham Hotspur lead Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the other semi-final game.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
