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Manchester United have traditionally been the kings of comebacks. Sir Alex Ferguson, during his long reign at the club, instilled the mentality of never losing hope and keep fighting in his players and as a result the Red Devils have produced some of the best ever comebacks of all time.
But ever since Sir Alex retired, that mentality of fighting back has been on the wane just like the club's fortunes and undoubtedly Louis Van Gaal's era epitomized that mood. But after Mourinho's appointment as the manager, the team's fortunes have improved significantly, the general mood is lifting up and even that touch of the never say die attitude seems to be coming back.
Here we take a look at some of the best comeback wins for Manchester United under the Portuguese manager.
#5 Manchester United vs CSKA Moscow (2-1), Champions League Group Stage, Old Trafford
Manchester United were back in the Champions league after a two year absence courtesy of the Europa league win despite finishing sixth in the league. It seemed like luck was on their side when they were handed out a favorable group including CSKA Moscow, Basel, and Benfica.
This was the final group game and the game held great significance for CSKA Moscow as a win could have paved the way for entering Group-16. At Old Trafford, the Russians started brilliantly and De Gea was subjected to a barrage of first half attacks and they were ultimately successful when Vitinho controversially scored just before half time.
United restarted the game with renewed energy as Romelu Lukaku showed excellent strength and finishing ability in scoring a superb volley to equalize. Lukaku was instrumental in the victory as it was his through ball which enabled Marcus Rashford to complete an incredible come from behind win for the team. They held on till the final whistle to sail through comfortably as group winners.
However, their European adventure didn't last long as United were shockingly defeated 2-1 by Sevilla at Old trafford after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
4. Manchester United vs Middlesbrough(2-1), Premier League(2016-17)
Manchester United's Premier league campaign was well on course at the time Middlesbrough visited Old Trafford during the festive Christmas period on the back of four consecutive victories. An eventful first half failed to yield a goal but the game sprang to life when Grant Leadbitter scored in the 67th minute.
This brought urgency to the game for United whereas Middlesbrough resorted to defending deep in their own half. Boro were broke open by Martial who latched on to a superb Ibrahimovic's flick and coolly slotted past Victor Valdes, who had ,made a string of saves in the game.
The game was won by Paul Pogba's header from a Juan Mata's cross in the 86th minute as the Old Trafford faithful were treated to a match reminiscent of the old times. The league campaign was a failure though as cup commitments diverted the attention and United finished the campaign sixth, though qualifying for the Champions league as Europa league winners.
3. Manchester United vs Chelsea(2-1), Premier League(2017-18)
Manchester City had already consolidated their hold at the submit of the table when defending champions Chelsea, trailing United by 3 points visited Old Trafford in February. They made a bright start and were duly rewarded when Willian opened the scoring for the London based club in the 32nd minute.
However the lead didn't last long as United's front three of Sanchez, Lukaku, and Rashford combined to produce a brilliant move finished by the Belgian striker.
Lukaku seemed like he had a point to prove against his old club as he produced a fine curling cross from the wing which was well directed by substitute Jesse Lingard behind Courtois to make sure of the 3 points.
Lukaku shrugged off criticisms that he was just a flat-track bully and showed his big game credentials and United built a 6 point advantage over Chelsea. Ultimately, United went on to finish second in the league, which was their best league finish till date since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure.
2. Crystal Palace vs Manchester United(2-3), Premier League(2017-18)
Just after that comeback win against Chelsea, Manchester United visited Crystal Palace who were themselves determined to get out of the relegation zone. The Eagles had a dream start when Andros Townsend's strike took a huge deflection off Lindelof as they went into the half-time with a goal advantage.
Palace doubled their lead after the break in the 48th minute when United were caught napping while complaining to the referee as Jeffrey Schlupp used the lapse to set Van Aanholt for a composed finish.
United produced a swift response via Chris Smalling who headed home from an Antonio Valencia cross following a corner. Palace resorted to defending deep while United continued to pile on the pressure and were duly rewarded when Romelu Lukaku brought the game back on level terms.
David de Gea produced a world class save to deny Christian Benteke from close range which turned out to be significant when Nemanja Matic produced a sensational half-volley from 30 yards into the stoppage time to break Palace hearts.
1. Manchester City vs Manchester United(2-3), Premier League
United visited City in the month of April knowing that a defeat would condemn them to watch their city rivals clinch the title. An inspired City, urged on by their vociferous home support absolutely outclassed United in every department as they scored two quick goals without reply as United's defense was ripped apart in the first half.
The hosts could have been further ahead had it not been for Sterling who wasted numerous good opportunities.
However, United came roaring back after the halftime whistle, inspired by a determined Paul Pogba who finished past Ederson after a terrific chested pass by Ander Herrera. Pogba grabbed one more to bring back United on level terms when he passed the ball to Alexis Sanchez and timed a perfect run into the box to finish Sanchez's cross and the momentum shifted to United's favor.
The comeback was completed when Sanchez's delivery was finished by Chris Smalling in the 69th minute to round off a sensational win from two goals down at their rivals' home ground. De Gea made a prolific save from Aguero in the dying minutes and United held on to postpone City's title celebrations.
However, City's celebrations weren't delayed much longer as United surprisingly lost to bottom club West Brom in the next match which confirmed City's status as 2017-18 title winners.
