Manchester United take part in their most important game in a long time on Thursday night, as they face Lyon in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final.
Two mistakes by Andre Onana overshadowed a very impressive away performance in the first leg in France. Joshua Zirkzee’s 88th-minute goal looked to have won it, only for Rayan Cherki to equalise in stoppage time and break hearts at United.
Lyon were impressive despite United possibly deserving to win the game, and one former Manchester United Premier League winner, who has played for both clubs, feels the French side are actually the better team with the ball.
United had less of the ball in the first leg and conceded 1.76 xG, which may point towards the former full-back having a point. The big test will come tomorrow for Lyon away from home at Old Trafford, but truth be told, the Theatre of Dreams has been a bit of a nightmare for Ruben Amorim’s side this season.
A defeat for the Reds will kill the season completely and have a huge dent in their abilities to attract players next season due to a lack of Champions League football.
Rafael believes Lyon better with ball than United
Former Manchester United full-back Rafael Da Silva feels Lyon are better with the ball than Manchester United, which may not bode well for the second leg tomorrow night.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Rafael had the following to say about the French side: “With the ball, I think Lyon has a better team than United. They’re more technical, more intelligent. But the match takes place at Old Trafford, and United are the favourites.”
United will need to act like the favourites tomorrow if they are to win the game. If they crumble under the pressure that the magnitude of a game like this brings, they will crash out of the competition against a Lyon team that feels it can win.
Extra spice was added to the game due to Nemanja Matic and his remarks about Andre Onana, and it’s still unknown whether the goalkeeper will start tomorrow night. Altay Bayindir got a chance on Sunday against Newcastle United, but an error may see Onana get reinstated into the team.
Joshua Zirkzee’s injury will be a blow to Amorim after his midweek performance, and Rasmus Hojlund is now the only recognised striker in the team. Although Gabriele Biancheri has been training with the first team, his inclusion in the squad remains uncertain.
United better with the ball on their day
Lyon is a formidable team, yet United, when playing at their peak, outperforms Lyon in terms of ball control. This needs to be something they show and prove tomorrow, but that is easier said than done.
For United to demonstrate their dominance in possession, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount must start. If United get Bruno Fernandes and those two players on the same side tomorrow night, their ability in possession rises exponentially.
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Mount has yet to start since returning from injury, nor has Mainoo, but tomorrow is as good a place as any to throw them back into the lineup, as long as they are ready and fit enough to play.
Amorim’s line-up will be one of the most important starting elevens of his career. Harry Maguire will likely come back in for Victor Lindelof after a difficult weekend, but outside of that and Bruno Fernandes, it is a difficult team to predict.
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