Manchester United vs Lyon Preview
- United to progress
- Over 2.5 goals
Manchester United’s stuttering 2024/25 campaign could hinge on the outcome of this UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarter-final second leg against French outfit Lyon. With the Red Devils effectively out of the top-four race domestically and suffering an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United last weekend, the pressure is on Ruben Amorim’s side to deliver European success – and potentially rescue their season.
The 2-2 draw in the first leg in France left United with work to do at Old Trafford. The result would have been a more favourable one if not for two high-profile errors from under-fire goalkeeper André Onana, whose absence from the squad entirely against Newcastle added fuel to the fire surrounding his future. The Cameroonian’s costly mistakes cancelled out goals from Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee, meaning United must now win to advance – a draw would push the tie into extra time.
With Zirkzee now ruled out through injury, United’s task is arguably made a little easier. The Dutch striker was Lyon’s main attacking threat in the first leg, but Paulo Fonseca’s men still travel to Manchester in high spirits following a 3-1 Ligue 1 victory over Auxerre. That win was their seventh in nine competitive outings (D1, L1), and the momentum appears firmly on the side of Les Gones, who are enjoying their best run of form this season.
For United, morale is low. With just one clean sheet in their last 13 home games across all competitions (W5, D2, L6), they remain vulnerable at the back, conceding first in ten of those matches. While Old Trafford was once a fortress in European competition, recent form suggests that Lyon will fancy their chances of grabbing what could be a decisive away goal.
That being said, history does offer some comfort to the Red Devils. They have never lost to Lyon in four previous meetings (W2, D2), including two home victories. Moreover, they were unbeaten in 14 European encounters against French clubs prior to successive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain. Another positive omen lies in Bruno Fernandes’ UEL record at home: all seven of his goals in the competition have come at Old Trafford, with United going on to win four of those matches – all while both teams scored.
Yet the French side are unlikely to be intimidated. Lyon boast an impressive 12-match unbeaten run in Europa League away games (W9, D3), stretching back to December 2017. That includes several notable performances against Premier League sides, with Lyon losing just one of their last nine H2Hs against English clubs (W4, D4). The confidence gained from those results, combined with their current domestic revival, could prove a powerful combination.
However, one stat does hang over them like a dark cloud: Lyon have never progressed from a European tie after drawing the first leg at home, failing to do so on all nine previous occasions since 1964. If that unwanted record is to be broken, Fonseca’s side will need to be clinical and composed – especially in the early stages, where United are often vulnerable.
Key Stats
- Manchester United have won both previous home meetings with Lyon.
- Lyon are unbeaten in 12 UEL away matches (W9, D3) since 2017.
- United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 home games.
- Lyon have never progressed in a European tie after a first-leg home draw (L9).
- United have conceded first in ten of their last 13 home fixtures.
Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
The Portuguese midfielder remains the heartbeat of United’s attack and will be crucial in unlocking Lyon’s defence.
His UEL pedigree is well established, with seven goals in the competition at Old Trafford, and his leadership will be vital if United are to avoid another underwhelming exit.
Georges Mikautadze (Lyon)
Mikautadze has been directly involved in 11 goals across his last six appearances (G5, A6), including the dramatic 95th-minute assist in the first leg.
His movement and creativity could be decisive against a shaky United backline.
Prediction
This is a match that could go either way. Manchester United have the firepower to get the job done, especially at home, but their defensive frailties and inconsistent form cast serious doubts over their ability to manage a high-stakes European clash. Lyon, brimming with confidence and boasting a formidable away record in the UEL, are more than capable of pulling off an upset.
If United start slowly – as they have done so often this season – they could be in real trouble. However, with players like Fernandes, Rashford, and Garnacho capable of magic on the night, the Red Devils might just edge it.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Lyon (United progress 4-3 on aggregate)
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