The Europa League quarter-finals get underway on Thursday as Lyon and Manchester United go head-to-head at the Groupama Stadium.
It has been 17 years since the two teams last faced off against each other on the continental stage, with this marking their first-ever meeting in Europe’s second-tier competition.
For Lyon, it’s a chance to put an unlikely stop to a 13-year title drought after Paris Saint-Germain’s rise in Ligue 1 pushed them to French football’s backwaters.
As for Man Utd, this competition is a saving grace, a one-last opportunity to give the frustrated Old Trafford faithful something to cheer for in these troubled times.
With both clubs’ reputations hanging in the balance, a thrilling showdown awaits on French soil, where the Red Devils have traditionally flourished.
History doesn’t favour Lyon
Though it’s been nearly two decades since their last European meeting, Lyon will approach this contest with a sense of trepidation, trapped in the pit of upsetting memories.
Paulo Fonseca’s side must make club history to secure an all-important first-leg lead ahead of the return fixture at the Theatre of Dreams next week.
Les Gones have drawn two of their four previous encounters against the Red Devils, losing the other two via single-goal margins, which makes it for bleak reading ahead of this season-defining clash.
As if the prospect of seeking a maiden win against Man Utd isn’t disturbing enough, Lyon have suffered elimination from their last three two-legged UEFA ties against English clubs.
However, there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Unbeaten in 25 of their last 28 European home outings (W14, D11), they’ve turned the Groupama Stadium into a fortress, instilling hope among the fans that they could pull off an upset here.
Slipping giants
Whether they’re fallen or merely slipping, Man Utd must find a way to steady themselves and rise to the occasion as Ruben Amorim seeks amends for a faltering start to his tenure.
Sunday’s scoreless home draw against bitter rivals Manchester City showed the Red Devils’ defensive resilience but reinforced doubts over their capacity to score on the other end of the pitch.
Amorim had no choice but to accept Gary Neville’s ‘robotic’ criticism (via Sky Sports) after the game as United failed to find the net for the second game on the trot after a 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest.
With the ignominy of a first bottom-half finish in the Premier League era looming larger, this is the Red Devils’ only chance to salvage some pride and perhaps set the foundation for a brighter future.
In search of good omens, they haven’t lost the first leg of their last 11 major European knockout ties (W5, D6), suggesting they should return home with a favourable outcome.
Team News
Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez remain on the sidelines with injuries, yet Amorim has received a boost ahead of this trip.
Per the Evening Standard, Kobbie Mainoo returned to training and could board the plane for France after overcoming a niggling calf problem that has kept him out since the start of February.
Matthijs de Ligt is a doubt, with Harry Maguire likely to keep his spot at the heart of United’s backline alongside Leny Yoro after a promising performance against the Cityzens.
How Could Man Utd Line Up?
(3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee.
Prediction
As the only side yet to lose a Europa League fixture this season, Man Utd should take this trip in high spirits.
However, the visitors must be wary of Lyon’s scoring prowess, with Les Gones boasting the competition’s record tally of 24 goals.
With that in mind, defensive solidity could be key to avoiding defeat in France, though United cannot afford to strive for anything less than victory.
Given the team’s immense struggles, a share of the spoils would still be a decent result.
We were discussing the fate or unfortunate state of Man.Utd after the rein of Sir.Alex Ferguson as fans and we try to figure why ever after that the good coaches that come plus the good players that come even considering Renaldo would is a great player, yet none of them can fair well at Man.Utd with the consistency that prevailed during the old days. It is like a very bad spell is put on them and no one can do well from this period which is very sad to see it fall to pieces. They can only come up a bit but not to the limit of success.
Why only keeping this goal keeper as first choice? Too much of trust in him as their No.1 goal keeper. This is the sturbbon choice whoever wants to see this club’s downfall.
We do not have a proper striker nor a proper goalie.
Man.Utd should try and get players like Pireo from Preston North. Just watched the game today. He seems to be the fitting type in a club like Man Utd. Use their power and money to attract such players to come to such a huge club.