This is it – the crucial European clash that could salvage United’s season.
Manchester United travel to the Groupama Stadium tonight for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Olympique Lyonnais, with Ruben Amorim’s men seeking continental redemption amid their domestic struggles.
The Reds travel to France sitting 13th in the Premier League but remain the only unbeaten side in this season’s Europa League. Meanwhile, Lyon have found excellent form under Paulo Fonseca, winning eight of their last ten matches in all competitions.
History and previous clashes
These sides haven’t met competitively since the 2007-08 Champions League campaign, when a Cristiano Ronaldo goal at Old Trafford helped United advance from the last 16 en route to lifting the trophy in Moscow.
Their four competitive encounters have seen United win twice with two draws – Lyon have never beaten the Red Devils in European competition.
Their first meetings came in the 2004-05 Champions League group stage where Ruud van Nistelrooy proved decisive, scoring twice in a memorable 2-2 comeback draw in France and netting the winner in a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford that marked Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1,000th game in charge.
Manchester United Team News
Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training and made the 23-man travelling squad, though he’s unlikely to start after being sidelined since February. Luke Shaw was an unused substitute in Sunday’s goalless Manchester derby and could get minutes in France.
Matthijs de Ligt and Toby Collyer haven’t traveled due to injuries, with Amorim explaining: “Matta has a problem in his foot, we are trying to assess. We still don’t have the data that he can return. Toby has a small issue in his leg so we hope to have him in a few weeks.”
Youngsters Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki and Jack Moorhouse have been included in the squad and could make their first-team debuts if called upon.
Lyon Team News
The French side will be significantly weakened in attack, missing both Malick Fofana and Ernest Nuamah through knee injuries. The duo accounted for four of Lyon’s seven goals in their round of 16 triumph over FCSB.
Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic is expected to feature for Lyon, while Rayan Cherki represents a major threat – the young midfielder has eight assists in this season’s Europa League, joint-most by any player in a single season of the competition.
Form Guide
Lyon (all competitions): WWWLW
Manchester United (all competitions): DWWLD
Predicted Lineup
Onana;
Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro;
Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu;
Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee.
Prediction
Lyon’s excellent recent form and home advantage make them dangerous opponents, but United have consistently produced their best performances in Europe this season.
We expect a tight, entertaining contest that produces a few goals.
Lyon 2-2 Manchester United