Manchester United vs Lyon: Europa League Quarter-Final Second Leg
Manchester United are set to host Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday, aiming to book their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. The tie is perfectly poised after a dramatic 2-2 draw in the first leg, with Rayan Cherki’s injury-time equalizer for Lyon ensuring all is to play for in Manchester.
Match Overview
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Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
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Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
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First Leg Result: Lyon 2-2 Manchester United
Manchester United reached this stage after a comeback win over Real Sociedad in the round of 16. Despite their European success, the Red Devils have struggled domestically, most recently suffering a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United. Lyon, meanwhile, are on a high after a 1-0 Ligue 1 win over Auxerre and a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory over FCSB in the previous round.
The winner of this tie will face either Rangers or Athletic Club in the semi-finals.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester United
Manager Ruben Amorim faces several injury concerns, with up to seven first-team players unavailable. The latest blow is the loss of Joshua Zirkzee to a season-ending hamstring injury, joining the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Toby Collyer, and Amad Diallo on the sidelines.
Expected to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, United will likely start Andre Onana in goal. The defense should feature Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro, with Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu as wing-backs. In midfield, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will anchor the center, while Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho provide creative support behind striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Lyon
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has a nearly full squad, with only Malick Fofana and Ernest Nuamah ruled out due to knee injuries. Lyon are expected to line up in a 4-3-3, with Lucas Perri in goal and a back four of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate, and Nicolas Tagliafico. Paul Akouokou will anchor the midfield, supported by Corentin Tolisso and Jordan Veretout. Up front, Georges Mikautadze will lead the line, flanked by Rayan Cherki and Thiago Almada.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Tolisso, Akouokou, Veretout; Cherki, Mikautadze, Almada.
Key Stats
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Manchester United have won both previous home meetings with Lyon in European competition.
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Lyon have lost just one of their last nine European games against English teams.
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United have lost their last two home European games against French clubs.
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Lyon are unbeaten in their last 12 away UEFA Europa League matches.
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Manchester United remain unbeaten in this season’s Europa League (6 wins, 5 draws).
Player to Watch: Rasmus Hojlund
With Joshua Zirkzee out, Rasmus Hojlund becomes Manchester United’s key attacking threat. The Danish striker has contributed 12 goals and assists in European competition for United since last season, ranking among the best in the Premier League for minutes per goal contribution. His performance could be decisive in this crucial quarter-final tie.
Manchester United vs Lyon Prediction
Manchester United 2-1 Lyon
United’s unbeaten run in the Europa League and home advantage could give them the edge, but Lyon’s strong away record means this will likely be a tense and closely contested match.
Manchester United vs Lyon Live Stream
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