MANCHESTER UNITED and Lyon renew hostilities with their Europa League quarter-final delicately poised at 2-2.
Man Utd vs Lyon preview
It's make or break for Manchester United as they welcome Lyon to Old Trafford on Thursday night for the decisive second leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the Red Devils' only realistic route back into European competition next season is by going all the way in this tournament.
And with the Europa League winners earning a coveted Champions League spot, United's season now hinges on a trip to Bilbao for the final â if they can get there.
Ruben Amorim's side looked to be in control of the first leg after goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro had them leading 2-1 in France.
But a late blunder from Andre Onana, spilling Georges Mikautadze's shot, gifted Lyon a stoppage-time equaliser as Rayan Cherki tapped home to level the tie at 2-2.
The result leaves the quarter-final finely poised, but United's preparations have been far from ideal.
A dismal 4-1 defeat at Newcastle over the weekend leaves United with just two wins in their last nine top-flight outings.
The result also confirmed that Manchester United will finish the 2024-25 campaign with their lowest points total in the Premier League era.
As for visiting Lyon, manager Paulo Fonseca's goal-filled tenure continued over the weekend when beating Auxerre 3-1 on the road.
All told, Lyon have scored 36 goals in the 12 matches since Fonseca's arrival, with those games featuring a whopping 55 goals in total.
That said, United have never lost to Lyon in six previous meetings, registering three wins and three draws against the French club.
Lyon should also be wary of history repeating itself, having been knocked out in each of their last three two-legged ties against English opposition.
- Man Utd 7/10 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
- Draw 3/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
- Lyon 15/4 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Goals
We landed both the 2-2 scoreline and Over 3.5 Goals in last week’s first leg at the Groupama Stadium â and there’s little reason to stray from a winning formula ahead of the return clash at Old Trafford.
Lyon’s transformation under Paulo Fonseca has brought goals galore, with an astonishing 55 scored across their last 13 outings. Both teams have found the net in 12 of Lyon’s past 15 competitive fixtures, including six of their last seven on the road.
And while United's form has wavered, goalmouth action has remained a constant at Old Trafford. Barring the recent derby, Over 3.5 Goals has landed in nine of their home games this season â suggesting another high-scoring affair could well be on the cards.
- Over 3.5 Goals Scored at 13/8 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Score or assist
If Lyon are going to score, as we predict, it's more than likely that Rayan Cherki will be involved.
Cherki, 21, has scored 11 goals and provided an incredible 18 assists in 38 appearances for Lyon in all competitions this season – including the equaliser last week.
Eight of those assists and three strikes have arrived in the Europa League this season, and he should have a goal involvement in a match that promises goals galore.
- Rayan Cherki to score or assist at 7/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
