Lyon vs Manchester United Preview

• Draw
• Both teams to score

For the first time since 2008, Lyon and Manchester United will go head-to-head in European competition as they meet in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.

While Manchester United hold the historical edge with two wins and two draws from the previous encounters, both clubs are chasing continental glory for very different reasons this season.

Lyon brimming with belief after domestic comeback

Lyon enter this high-stakes tie on the back of an emphatic 7-1 aggregate win over FCSB in the Round of 16.

Paulo Fonseca’s side showed their fighting spirit again at the weekend by coming from behind to beat Lille in Ligue 1, a result that should boost morale ahead of this European showdown.

Les Gones are seeking their first-ever win over Manchester United, and only Barcelona have frustrated them more in European football without suffering defeat.

However, Lyon will be wary of their recent record against English sides, having lost each of their last three two-legged ties against Premier League opposition.

A win in this tie would mark Lyon’s return to a Europa League semi-final for the first time since 2016/17. Encouragingly, they have lost just three of their last 28 European home matches (W14, D11), and will be aiming to make home advantage count in the first leg.

Manchester United turn to Europe to save their season

Manchester United’s Premier League campaign has been a huge disappointment, meaning their Europa League hopes carry even more weight.

The Red Devils were held to a goalless draw by rivals Manchester City on Sunday, and manager Ruben Amorim will be hoping his players can shift gears for a competition they’ve performed far better in this season.

United are the only unbeaten side left in the Europa League, having comfortably seen off Real Sociedad in the last round. Their win set a new English record of 28 UEFA quarter-final appearances, underlining the club’s vast European pedigree.

Their recent knockout form is also encouraging. The Red Devils are unbeaten in the first leg of their last 11 major European knockout ties (W5, D6), and each of the last three away legs at this stage has ended in a draw.

That form, along with their solid record against French opposition, should give United fans reasons for optimism.

French resistance no match for United in the past

Manchester United’s dominance over French clubs in European competition is well-documented.

They’ve progressed in each of their last five two-legged ties against French opposition and have only lost four of 30 such encounters (W16, D10). That track record could prove significant if this tie goes down to the wire.

For Lyon, breaking that pattern would represent a huge milestone in the club’s modern European history. They’ll need a strong showing at Groupama Stadium to give themselves a fighting chance heading to Old Trafford.

Players to watch

Rayan Cherki: The Lyon playmaker has been one of the standout creators in this season’s Europa League. He has assisted eight of Lyon’s 23 goals in the competition — the most of any player in the tournament. His vision and flair will be key to breaking through United’s defensive lines.

Bruno Fernandes: The Portuguese international has been Manchester United’s talisman in Europe this season.

He achieved the highest Flashscore rating in three of his last four appearances for the club, including a hat-trick against Real Sociedad in the previous round. His leadership and goal threat make him central to United’s hopes.

Key statistics

• Lyon are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions.
• Les Gones have lost just three of their last 28 European home fixtures.
• Lyon are winless in four meetings with Manchester United (D2, L2).
• Manchester United are unbeaten in 11 straight first-leg European knockout matches (W5, D6).
• United have lost only four of 30 matches against French clubs in European competition.
• United have progressed from each of their last five two-legged ties against French opposition.

Conclusion

This first leg in Lyon presents a crucial opportunity for the hosts to gain the upper hand against one of Europe’s most decorated clubs.

Manchester United will be confident of securing a positive result on the road, particularly given their strong record in France and their recent knockout consistency.

Lyon must be brave but cautious, knowing that conceding at home could give the advantage to United in the return leg at Old Trafford.

For the visitors, continuing their unbeaten Europa League run and securing a valuable away result would bring them one step closer to salvaging their season with silverware.

Prediction

Lyon 1-1 Manchester United

An even contest is likely in the first leg, with both sides sharing the spoils and leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the return fixture in Manchester.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Lyon vs Man Utd | UEFA Europa League 2024/25