Can Ruben Amorim’s men land the opening punch in their UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash? Here’s our preview and prediction for Thursday’s first leg between Lyon and Manchester United.
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Lyon vs Manchester: United Preview
Manchester United will aim to gain an early advantage to bring back to Old Trafford as they travel to Lyon for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final.
Ruben Amorim’s men make the trip to the Groupama Stadium on Thursday, riding high after a commanding 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in the second leg of the previous round, which secured their place in the quarters with a 5-2 aggregate triumph.
Manchester United boast an impressive record in the opening legs of major knockout ties, having avoided defeat in each of their last 11 first-leg encounters (W5 D6) since suffering a narrow 1-0 home loss to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League back in April 2019. However, it’s worth noting that their last three first-leg away matches have all ended in draws.
Their recent form in the UEFA Europa League has also been strong. The Red Devils have suffered just one defeat in their last 21 matches in the competition (W14 D6), a 3-0 loss away to Sevilla in April 2023—the only time during that run they failed to find the net.
Bruno Fernandes has been the standout performer in Europe for United, especially in the knockout rounds. The Portuguese playmaker netted a stunning hat-trick at Old Trafford against Real Sociedad in the previous round, taking his tally to a record-breaking 41 goal involvements in the competition (24 goals, 17 assists). He also leads the charts for most contributions in Europa League knockout stages, with 16 goals and 11 assists—his assist tally matching that of former teammate Juan Mata, the joint-highest in knockout history.
Lyon have a creative force of their own in the form of Rayan Cherki, who has been instrumental in their Europa League campaign. His eight assists this season equal the all-time record for the most in a single edition of the competition, matching Atlético Madrid’s Diego from the 2011-12 season.
In terms of chance creation, only Dries Mertens (39) has fashioned more opportunities than Cherki (38) in the 2024-25 Europa League. Only two players have ever created 40 or more chances in one campaign—Kevin De Bruyne for Wolfsburg in 2014-15 (52) and Hakim Ziyech for Ajax in 2016-17 (40).
Cherki also found the back of the net in Lyon’s most recent domestic fixture, scoring the decisive goal in the 70th minute to seal a 2-1 win over Lille. Alexandre Lacazette had earlier equalized from the penalty spot after Bafodé Diakité gave Lille the lead. That victory saw Paulo Fonseca’s men climb to fifth in the Ligue 1 standings.
In the previous round of the Europa League, Lyon breezed past FCSB with a commanding 4-0 win in the second leg—their biggest victory in European competition since defeating Apollon Limassol by the same scoreline back in November 2017.
Georges Mikautadze and Ernest Nuamah each netted a brace in Lyon’s emphatic 4-0 second-leg victory over FCSB, sealing a dominant 7-1 aggregate triumph. That result took Lyon’s goal tally in this season’s UEFA Europa League to 23—surpassed only twice in the club’s European history, with 29 goals in the 2004-05 campaign and 28 in 2016-17.
Thursday’s first-leg encounter will also be a milestone occasion for head coach Paulo Fonseca, who is set to manage his 50th UEFA Europa League match. He’ll become just the fifth manager to reach that mark, joining elite company in Unai Emery (93), Jorge Jesus (68), José Mourinho (58), and Jindřich Trpišovský (52). Interestingly, three of those four suffered defeat in their 50th game, with Emery the lone exception—winning the 2015 final with Sevilla.
On the squad front, Fonseca will be without winger Malick Fofana for the clash, as the youngster is sidelined with a knee injury.
For Manchester United, several players will be unavailable for the trip to Lyon. Jonny Evans, Ayden Heaven, Amad Diallo, and Lisandro Martínez have all been ruled out due to injury. Meanwhile, midfield prodigy Kobbie Mainoo and defender Matthijs de Ligt remain doubts for the clash, with both set to undergo late fitness tests after missing Sunday’s lacklustre goalless draw against Manchester City.
Lyon vs Manchester United: Head-to-Head
Lyon have yet to taste victory against Manchester United in major European competitions, failing to win any of their four previous encounters (D2 L2). The only team they’ve faced more often without a win in Europe is Barcelona, against whom they’ve drawn three and lost five in eight meetings.
United’s two previous trips to Lyon both came in the UEFA Champions League and ended in hard-fought draws after coming from behind. In September 2004, they battled back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw, while in February 2008, they salvaged a 1-1 result after conceding first.
The last time these sides met on the European stage was in the return leg at Old Trafford in March 2008, when Cristiano Ronaldo scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win to send United through.
Lyon vs Manchester United: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Lyon – Team News
Lyon are also grappling with injury setbacks ahead of their Europa League quarter-final first leg. Dynamic winger Ernest Nuamah is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after reportedly rupturing his ACL during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Lille. The devastating blow rules him out for several months.
Meanwhile, Malick Fofana—Lyon’s top scorer in this season’s Europa League with six goals—will miss Thursday’s clash due to a sprained knee sustained while on international duty with Belgium. However, the 20-year-old could make a return in time for the second leg.
In the dugout, manager Paulo Fonseca will be back on the touchline for the fixture despite serving a nine-month domestic suspension imposed by the French Professional Football League for a confrontation with a referee back in November. The ban does not apply to European competitions, allowing Fonseca to lead his side from the technical area.
Lyon – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeper – Perri
- Defenders – Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhaté, Abner
- Midfielders – Tessmann, Veretout, Tolisso
- Forwards – Cherki, Almada, Mikautadze,
Manchester United – Team News
Manchester United will travel to France without several key players, with Matthijs de Ligt among the notable absentees as he continues to recover from a foot injury. Midfield talent Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training for the first time since February but remains a doubt and will undergo a late fitness test ahead of the clash against Lyon.
Youngster Ayden Heaven is sidelined with a foot issue, while Amad Diallo (ankle/foot) and Jonny Evans (back) are both facing extended spells on the sidelines. Lisandro Martínez remains a long-term absentee after tearing his ACL against Crystal Palace in early February and is not expected back for several months.
There is some positive news for Erik ten Hag, as Mason Mount appears to be edging closer to full fitness. The midfielder made a 20-minute appearance in the Manchester derby, marking a potential return to regular action after a frustrating, injury-hit spell since joining in 2023—he’s featured just 35 times for the club. Luke Shaw is also pushing for minutes as he works his way back to full match sharpness.
Manchester United – Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeper – Onana
- Defenders – Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui
- Midfielders – Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu
- Forwards – Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee
Lyon vs Manchester United: Prediction
Manchester United may have carved out a reputation as Europa League specialists in recent years, but that status could be seriously tested in France. With a defence ravaged by injuries and a threadbare backline making the trip, the Red Devils face the daunting task of containing one of the most vibrant attacks left in the competition—led by the electric Rayan Cherki and in-form Georges Mikautadze.
Keeping a clean sheet will be a tall order for Erik ten Hag’s men, especially given the pace and creativity Lyon possess going forward. Adding to United’s concerns, Lyon have yet to concede more than twice in a single Europa League match this season, highlighting the resilience of Paulo Fonseca’s side.
While United boast firepower in Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Højlund, and Alejandro Garnacho, the burden of creativity continues to rest heavily on the shoulders of Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker has delivered time and again, but if United are to take control of this tie, he’ll need meaningful support from those around him.
Prediction: Lyon 2-1 Manchester United
When and Where to Watch Lyon vs Manchester United Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Europa League 2024-25 Quarter-finals first leg between Lyon and Manchester United will take place at the Stade de Gerland in Lyon, France. The match is set for April 11 at 12:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.
Read More: Inside Declan Rice’s Free-Kick Masterclass Against Real Madrid
FAQs
What is the Lyon vs Manchester United head-to-head record in Europe?
Lyon have never beaten Manchester United in four European meetings (D2 L2), with their only two home games ending in draws.
Who are the key players missing for Manchester United vs Lyon?
United will be without Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, Jonny Evans, and Ayden Heaven. Kobbie Mainoo faces a late fitness test.
What are Lyon’s major injury concerns ahead of the Europa League clash?
Ernest Nuamah is out with an ACL injury, and top Europa League scorer Malick Fofana (6 goals) is sidelined with a sprained knee.
How has Bruno Fernandes performed in the Europa League?
Bruno Fernandes holds the record for most Europa League goal involvements (41) and leads the knockout stage tally with 16 goals and 11 assists.
When and where is the Lyon vs Manchester United Europa League quarter-final first leg?
The first leg will take place at Groupama Stadium, Lyon, on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
