Paul Scholes has named a Manchester United injury return he feels could change Rúben Amorim’s team amid three players who must continue in the starting XI.
The first leg of Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final against Olympique Lyonnais ended in a 2-2 draw, with André Onana receiving criticism for his performance.
Lyon controlled the majority of possession in the opening 20 minutes, but Rasmus Højlund missed the first big chance of the game. Bruno Fernandes soon saw his effort deflected over the bar.
Lyon took the lead in the 25th minute through Thiago Almada, whose free-kick cross skipped past everyone, including Onana, and went into the net. Lyon continued to grow in confidence, but just before halftime, Leny Yoro equalized for United.
The second half saw both teams create some chances, but neither side could find the back of the net. With Rúben Amorim introducing Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, United pushed for a winner. Alejandro Garnacho came close, but Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri made a key save.
With time running out, United thought they had snatched the win when Fernandes delivered a brilliant cross for Zirkzee to head in from close range. However, in the final moments, Rayan Cherki scored for Lyon, securing a 2-2 draw.
Amad injury return can change United
Although the late draw will no doubt have had United players and fans down, former United midfielder Paul Scholes offered a level of hope when assessing the side’s recent form.
The ex-Red explained that he felt the side have not been too bad defensively, and with the display from United’s defenders an adequate one aside from Onana’s two errors, there is much to be said about this.
However, Scholes was also keen to point out that the potential of Amad returning from injury next month could add a new level of dynamism to United’s back five as he could slot in as an attacking wing-back.
“You know, defensively, they don’t look too bad, I suppose,” Scholes admitted. “I think the wing-backs defensively are okay, but going forward, not quite good enough. [Amad] Diallo could come into that and be a better type of wing-back going forward, especially.
Three United stars must continue playing
Speaking further, Scholes discussed where United may need to improve in the summer. He named a host of positions, but within his words, he stated that he felt Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Fernandes all must continue as part of Amorim’s team.
“They probably need another centre-half with De Ligt, and I think Yoro is starting to look like the player that we expected he’d be,” Scholes continued.
“Quality in midfield, again, doesn’t look quite good enough at the minute. Like I said, Bruno Fernandes, you need that player with quality in the midfield, and you also need his quality up that end of the pitch as well.
“The way Amorim plays, you talked about two number 10s as well. Are they there? Bruno Fernandes obviously could be one of them. Can you play Kobbie Mainoo in that position? I think he needs better.”
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