Match preview for Manchester United v Lyon
Manchester United and Lyon are set to square off once more in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
With a spot in the semi-final berth on the line – and a clash against either Rangers or Athletic Bilbao – the stage is set for what should be a thrilling encounter.
It’s been a turbulent few days for the Red Devils. The spotlight has been on goalkeeper on Andre Onana following his high-profile mistakes in the first leg.
His blunder led to Lyon’s late equaliser, and he did little to silence his critics – including former United midfielder Nemanja Matic – who questioned his quality ahead of the first leg.
Joshua Zirkzee appeared to have sealed a late winner for Ruben Amorim’s side with a header in the 88th minute.
But Lyon’s Rayan Cherki capitalised on another Onana mishap in stoppage time to level the tie in the 95th minute.
Things didn’t improve over the weekend either, as United were thumped 4-1 by Newcastle in the Premier League, marking their 14th defeat of the domestic campaign.
For you.#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/CG9n67P0XE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 16, 2025
Currently in 14th place with 38 points from 32 matches, the Red Devils are mathematically still at risk of falling as low as 17th.
Hopes of European football via league position have all but vanished, with the club sitting 10 points off the top eight and 17 points adrift of fifth.
As a result, winning the Europa League remains their only realistic path to next season’s Champions League – turning Thursday night’s fixture into a must-win.
Team news for Manchester United v Lyon
Injuries are a concern for United, with Zirkzee ruled out due to a hamstring issue. Amorim stated the striker is set to be “out for some games.”
He joins a growing list of absentees including Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, and Toby Collyer.
Teenage forward Chido Obi-Martin is unavailable for European competition, meaning Rasmus Hojlund may lead the line once again.
Onana was left out of the squad against Newcastle to “disconnect a little bit,” but he is expected to return between the posts.
As for Lyon, they’ll be without dynamic winger Ernest Nuamah for the rest of the campaign after he suffered an ACL injury. Malick Fofana is also sidelined with a knee issue.
Monday mood 😍#AJAOL pic.twitter.com/iMEdcNBN9F
— Olympique Lyonnais 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@OL_English) April 14, 2025
Expected line-ups for Manchester United v Lyon
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Lyon: Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Veretout, Tolisso, Akouokou; Almada; Cherki, Mikautadze
How to watch Manchester United v Lyon: TV channel, online stream
Manchester United v Lyon will kick-off at 20:00 on Thursday night. It is available to watch on TNT Sports 1 and UK fans can stream the match on the discovery+ app.
