Nemanja Matic has been tipped to be dropped from Lyon’s XI as Manchester United travel to France for a crunch Europa League quarter-final clash.
Manchester United turn their focus back to Europa League action this Thursday evening, heading to France for a quarter-final clash with Olympique Lyonnais.
Rúben Amorim’s side booked their spot in the last eight with a dominant 5-2 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, showcasing their strength in both attack and defence.
Lyon, meanwhile, cruised past FCSB with a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory, setting up a high-stakes encounter with United. Amorim’s men remain the only unbeaten team left in the competition and will look to extend that record in Lyon.
However, after two frustrating goalless performances in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, Amorim will be hoping his players rediscover their goal-scoring form as they face Lyon later this week.
Matic in trouble vs United
In the last few days, André Onana and former United midfielder Nemanja Matic have exchanged fiery words. The United goalkeeper stated that he felt United were the better side on paper, to which the Serbian general replied by slamming Onana as one of the ‘worst goalkeepers’ in Old Trafford history.
Onana then took to social media to respond strongly, insinuating that Matic should watch his words as he failed to win a single trophy during his five-year spell at the Manchester club.
However, Matic may not have the chance to face Onana on Thursday evening. Get French Football News reports that the 36-year-old looks set to be dropped for the fixture.
The article states that Ivorian international Paul Akouokou may be handed a “shock” start over Matic for the Europa League quarter-final. There also remains uncertainty over whether Georgia international Georges Mikautadze or club captain and veteran striker Alexandre Lacazette will start up front.
However, with Ernest Nuamah injured for the rest of the season, 21-year-old starlet Rayan Cherki is expected to start on the right side of Paulo Fonseca’s front line, with Thiago Almada on the left and Corentin Tolisso as a central attacking midfielder.
Cherki has been linked with United many times in the last few seasons, and with the French U21 international set to face Amorim’s side twice in the next week, the club will be able to take a look at the creative midfielder who some have touted as a perfect fit for the Reds.
The 21-year-old is said to have a £25 million release clause in his current contract and is expected to move on from Lyon this summer.
GFFN’s predicted Lyon XI vs United (4-2-3-1)
Perri, Tagliafico, Niakhaté, Mata, Maitland-Niles, Veretout, Akouokou, Almada, Tolisso, Cherki, Mikautadze.
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