The Manchester United vs Lyon Europa League quarter-final second leg is set to be an exciting and crucial fixture, as Manchester United look to keep their Champions League hopes alive by progressing to the semifinals. With the first leg in France ending in a 2-2 draw, both teams now face a decisive match at Old Trafford on Thursday, April 17, 2025, with the tie finely balanced. After a dramatic first leg, Manchester United will have to dig deep to overcome Lyon and avoid extra time or penalties, while Lyon will be looking to pull off an upset and continue their European journey.
Let’s take a detailed look at the match preview, including team news, kick-off time, predicted line-ups, key players, and expert predictions for the Manchester United vs Lyon second leg.
Date, Kick-Off Time, and Venue
- Match: Manchester United vs Lyon
- Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM BST
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Where to Watch Manchester United vs Lyon
- TV Channel (UK): Supersports
- Live Stream: DStv Stream and Showmax subscribers can catch the match live online via the DStv Stream and Showmax websites.
Manchester United vs Lyon: Team News
Manchester United
United have been hit by several key injuries, leaving them shorthanded for this crucial clash. The most notable absence is Joshua Zirkzee, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. Zirkzee’s absence is a big blow to United, particularly given Rasmus Hojlund’s inconsistent form up front. However, Hojlund has a tendency to perform well in Europa League matches, and United will need him to rise to the occasion.
In addition to Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martinez, and Toby Collyer are also unavailable for Ruben Amorim’s side. On a more positive note, Jonny Evans has returned to training but is not expected to feature in this match.
Andre Onana, who was dropped for the Newcastle loss after two costly mistakes in the first leg against Lyon, will return to the starting lineup in this important fixture. The Cameroonian goalkeeper will need to redeem himself after a controversial week that included a war of words with Lyon’s Nemanja Matic.
Lyon
Lyon will be boosted by the return of Malick Fofana, who missed the first leg but is available for selection in this critical match. However, Ernest Nuamah remains sidelined due to injury, leaving Lyon with fewer attacking options. Lyon can call upon experienced players like Alexandre Lacazette, who will be a key figure in the attack, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who offers versatility across the midfield.
Manchester United vs Lyon: Predicted Line-Ups
Manchester United (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Onana
- Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Eriksen
- Forwards: Garnacho, Hojlund, Mount
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Lyon (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Lopes
- Defenders: Gusto, Tete, Lukeba, Tagliafico
- Midfielders: Tchouameni, Guimaraes, Mendes
- Forwards: Lacazette, Cherki, Aouar
Manchester United vs Lyon: Tactical Analysis
Manchester United will approach this game with the confidence of their unbeaten home record in the Europa League this season. Ruben Amorim has instilled a strong defensive unit in his side, while the attacking trio of Antony, Hojlund, and Rashford will be crucial in breaking down Lyon’s defense. United’s main aim will be to create spaces for Rashford and Hojlund to exploit, with Bruno Fernandes providing the necessary creativity in midfield. The key will be for United to avoid making mistakes at the back and to keep a high pressing game throughout.
For Lyon, the focus will be on Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki to provide the spark in attack, with Lacazette’s clinical finishing and Cherki’s creative playmaking. Lyon will also look to exploit the spaces left by United’s high pressing by using their pace on the counter-attack. Tchouameni will have an important role in protecting the defense and distributing the ball effectively to initiate attacks.
What the Coaches Are Saying
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s manager, has spoken about the importance of focusing on the task at hand: “We are in a great position at home, and we need to capitalize on that. We’ve been strong at Old Trafford, and this is our opportunity to continue our Europa League journey.”
Laurent Blanc, Lyon’s coach, has been equally confident, stating: “We know the challenge ahead of us. United is a formidable side, but we have the quality to challenge them. We are ready for the fight and will give everything to progress.”
Manchester United vs Lyon: Prediction
Given Manchester United’s strong home form in Europa League competitions, they will likely edge out Lyon in this second leg. Hojlund, despite his recent struggles, tends to perform well in European competition. With Onana returning to the starting lineup, United should have enough to secure a 2-1 win, progressing 3-2 on aggregate to the semifinals.
Conclusion: Manchester United vs Lyon – A Battle for Semifinal Glory
The Manchester United vs Lyon quarter-final second leg promises to be an exciting and tense affair. Manchester United will look to capitalize on their home advantage, while Lyon will try to pull off an upset. With both teams having key players missing and the stakes high, expect a hard-fought contest as both teams fight for a place in the Europa League semifinals.
