Manchester United’s training squad ahead of their second-leg Europa League clash against Lyon has been confirmed as one Academy star comes in to replace Joshua Zirkzee.
Manchester United and Lyon played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final in France last week, setting up a decisive return leg at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Ruben Amorim’s side head into the clash on the back of a disappointing 4-1 loss to Newcastle, a result made worse by an injury to Joshua Zirkzee, adding to their woes.
In contrast, Lyon enjoyed a confidence-boosting 3-1 victory over Auxerre at the weekend, a result that solidified their position in fourth place in Ligue 1.
United will need to dust themselves off and secure victory by any means necessary on Thursday evening and their preparations are well underway for that.
The beginning of Wednesday afternoon’s training session was open for journalists to attend and that allowed people to notice who was and wasn’t involved ahead of the game.
United Academy star comes into training as Zirkzee replacement
André Onana was spotted in the session and the goalkeeper is set to rejoin the squad for the game this week after being left out for the Newcastle clash. It remains to be seen whether he will start or not.
Meanwhile, it was immediately noticeable that Dutch duo Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt were not involved. De Ligt is closing in on an injury return while Zirkzee could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring issue sustained against the Magpies.
Young Academy players Jayden Kamason and Jack Moorhouse were in attendance for the session and could be involved in the squad for Thursday’s clash. Chido Obi is not eligible to play in European competition this term.
It was also noticeable that 18-year-old striker Gabriele Biancheri was in the session and he could be included in the squad as an extra striker option due to Zirkzee’s injury. The young Welshman has scored over 20 goals for the Academy teams this term.
The full squad ahead of the Lyon clash can be read below.
United full training squad for second-leg vs Lyon
Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Elyh Harrison, Dermot Mee.
Defenders: Jayden Kamason, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelöf, Jonny Evans, Harry Amass, Godwill Kukonki, Patrick Dorgu.
Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Jack Moorhouse, Bruno Fernandes.
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, Gabriele Biancheri.
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