This is it, this (really is) the big one.
Manchester United host Lyon in the crucial second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday, with Ruben Amorim’s men needing a win to keep their season alive after a demoralizing 4-1 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday.
The tie is delicately balanced at 2-2 following last week’s exciting first leg in France, where Andre Onana’s late error denied United victory when Rayan Cherki poked home a stoppage-time equaliser.
The match represents United’s last chance of securing Champions League football next season, as our Premier League form has left us languishing in 13th place.
Team News
Manchester United:
- Joshua Zirkzee has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury sustained at Newcastle.
- Andre Onana will return to the starting lineup after being left out of the squad for Sunday’s defeat.
- Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Toby Collyer, and Ayden Heaven are all unavailable for the tie.
- Matthijs de Ligt remains doubtful with a foot problem.
- Kobbie Mainoo could feature after making the squad for Thursday’s Europa League match.
Lyon:
- Manager Paulo Fonseca has his side in good form, winning four of their previous five league matches.
- Lyon are short-handed in attack with injuries to Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana.
- Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic is likely to start on the bench.
- The French side will look to their dangerous attacking trio of Cherki, Mikautadze, and Almada to cause problems.
Predicted XI
Onana;
Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro;
Dalot, Mainoo, Casemiro, Dorgu;
Garnacho, Hojlund, Fernandes.
Old Trafford Atmosphere
Manchester United are pulling out all the stops to create a truly special European night atmosphere at Old Trafford. For the first time in the club’s history, a tifo banner will be unveiled in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand before kick-off, designed to inspire both players and fans for this crucial encounter.
The visual spectacle won’t end there – the tifo display will be accompanied by red and white pyrotechnics, creating a more impressive pre-match show than even the one seen during the previous round against Real Sociedad. The club hopes these efforts will help transform Old Trafford into the fortress it once was.
United fan writer Dale O’Donnell believes the atmosphere could make all the difference:
The United players should be aware that many of these fans have travelled across the country and Europe with them this season, and the results have been nowhere near good enough. It is time they took responsibility and gave something back to the Old Trafford faithful.
Form Guide
Manchester United (all competitions): WLDDL
Lyon (all competitions): WLWDW
Huge Stakes
The winner of this tie will face either Athletic Bilbao or Rangers in the semi-finals.
For United, the Europa League is our only remaining chance of silverware this season and their sole route into next season’s Champions League, which would probably impact our summer transfer plans drastically.
A loss effectively means an early end to the season with only dead-rubber league games remaining – make no mistake about it, this is truly a must-win game.
Prediction
Given Manchester United’s inconsistent form at Old Trafford this season and Lyon’s recent strong performances, this promises to be a tense, evenly matched encounter. The French side arrive with confidence after their 3-1 win against Auxerre at the weekend, while United’s defensive frailties were badly exposed at Newcastle.
However, with the backing of their home crowd and the return of key players, United may just have enough to edge a nervy encounter.
Manchester United 2-1 Lyon