Manchester United are locked in a tense battle with Lyon as they host the French side for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford, live.
With the aggregate scoreline tied at 2-2 after the dramatic first leg in France, tonight’s match could be the defining moment of United’s European campaign.
Manager Ruben Amorim has opted for a strong starting XI, reverting to the same side that began the first leg. Andre Onana returns in goal, with Harry Maguire partnering Leny Yoro in central defense. Patrick Dorgu continues on the left flank, while Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will anchor the midfield. Bruno Fernandes captains the side, with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund leading the attack. Notably, Joshua Zirkzee misses out due to injury, leaving United without a senior striker option on the bench.
Young talents like Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki, and Jack Moorhouse are included among the substitutes, along with Harry Amass, who impressed during his first Premier League start at Newcastle.
Lyon, managed by Paulo Fonseca, come into the clash in high spirits after a domestic win and will hope Rayan Cherki can replicate his heroics from the first leg. Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic starts in midfield for the visitors, alongside captain Corentin Tolisso.
United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes (c); Hojlund.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, Kamason, Kukonki, Lindelof, Shaw, Eriksen, Mainoo, Moorhouse, Mount.
Lyon: Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Tolisso (c), Akouokou; Veretout, Cherki, Almada; Mikautadze.
Substitutes: Descamps, Diarra, Abner Vinicius, Caleta-Car, Kumbedi, Omari, Matic, Tessman, Fofana, Lacazette.
For United, the home advantage is significant. They’ve been dominant at Old Trafford in Europe this season, notably crushing Real Sociedad 4-1 in their last home match. The team remains unbeaten in 11 Europa League games this season, with standout performances from Hojlund, who boasts 10 goals and 2 assists in European competitions since last year.
The match is being broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST. Fans can also follow along on the Manchester United app with radio commentary and live stats, and match highlights will be available post-midnight.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford is electric as fans anticipate whether Amorim’s side can take the next step toward lifting the Europa League trophy. With players like Fernandes, Garnacho, and Hojlund in form, and Lyon’s away threat looming, tonight’s clash promises drama, intensity, and potentially extra time.
For Manchester United, who last reached the Europa League final in 2021, this is a crucial night, not just for silverware hopes but for securing a Champions League spot in a competitive season. All eyes are on Old Trafford.
