Still clinging to hope of salvaging a disastrous season, Manchester United head to France for the primary leg of their Europa League quarterfinal towards Lyon at Groupama Stadium on Thursday.
The match marks the primary Europa League assembly between these two golf equipment, although they’ve beforehand clashed 4 occasions within the Champions League, most not too long ago in 2008, when United triumphed en path to successful the competitors.
After a dispiriting 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest within the Premier League, United adopted up with a goalless draw towards rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
The lackluster affair raised questions amongst followers, with supervisor Ruben Amorim acknowledging that expectations could must be tempered for a group that he insists is “improving.”
Yet, with United languishing in thirteenth place within the Premier League, the Europa League is their final hope for European soccer subsequent season.
Sitting a distant seven factors from the highest half of the desk, a top-four end within the league appears unrealistic.
However, the Red Devils stay unbeaten within the Europa League (W6 D4), having not too long ago triumphed 5-2 on combination over Real Sociedad.
Captain Bruno Fernandes netted a exceptional hat trick in a 4-1 second-leg win.
Historically, United have been formidable in Europe, shedding simply considered one of their final 21 Europa League video games – a 3-0 defeat to Sevilla in 2023, the one match in that span through which they failed to attain.
The Red Devils have additionally been unbeaten of their final 11 first-leg knockout ties, with their final loss coming towards Barcelona within the 2019 Champions League.
On the opposite hand, Lyon enter the tie with stable kind, successful seven of their final 10 matches, together with six of their final seven, throughout which they’ve netted 19 objectives.
They most not too long ago defeated Lille 2-1, coming from behind with objectives from Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki.
Lyon is managed by assistant coach Jorge Maciel whereas head coach Paulo Fonseca serves a nine-month suspension for misconduct.
Despite this setback, the French facet is presently fifth in Ligue 1, simply two factors shy of a Champions League qualification spot with six matches remaining.
Lyon’s Europa League run has been spectacular, having topped their group forward of United earlier than thrashing FCSB 7-1 on combination within the final 16.
They are aiming to succeed in a significant European semifinal for the primary time because the 2019-20 Champions League.
However, Lyon has by no means defeated Manchester United in 4 makes an attempt, drawing twice at dwelling and shedding each legs of their final two ties towards English groups.
The French facet faces a blow forward of Thursday’s conflict with the lack of winger Ernest Nuamah to a season-ending ACL harm, suffered simply minutes into their victory over Lille.
Malick Fofana can be sidelined with a knee subject, however Cherki, who has 9 objectives and 18 assists this season, will probably play a key function alongside Lacazette and Thiago Almada.
As for United, they continue to be with out key gamers: Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven, and Jonny Evans all miss out as a result of accidents. Matthis de Ligt and Kobbie Mainoo are being assessed earlier than kick-off, whereas Luke Shaw might return after a prolonged hamstring harm layoff. The left wing-back spot will probably stay with Patrick Dorgu, whereas Harry Maguire continues in protection.
Up entrance, United faces a choice: keep on with Rasmus Hojlund or herald Joshua Zirkzee, with Alejandro Garnacho additionally in line to begin regardless of a troublesome season.
Source: www.dailysabah.com