Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has explained why Rúben Amorim must look to sign Lyon’s Rayan Cherki this summer.
Manchester United completed an astonishing comeback to defeat Lyon 7-6 on aggregate and reach the Europa League semi-finals, with three goals in the final 10 minutes of extra time.
After a 2-2 first-leg draw, United struck early at Old Trafford, with Manuel Ugarte scoring after great work from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Diogo Dalot added a second just before half-time.
Lyon hit back in the second half—Corentin Tolisso and Nicolás Tagliafico both scored to level the aggregate. Tolisso was then sent off right before full-time, leaving Lyon down to ten men for extra time.
Despite that, Rayan Cherki fired Lyon ahead and Alexandre Lacazette scored a late penalty, seemingly ending United’s hopes.
But in a remarkable finish, Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty, Kobbie Mainoo scored a stunning goal, and Harry Maguire headed in the winner in stoppage time to send Rúben Amorim’s team into the semi-finals.
Rio Ferdinand on ‘great technician’ Cherki
In the build-up to the tie, former United star Rio Ferdinand gave his views on one of Lyon’s key players, and explained why he would be a fantastic addition to Amorim’s side in the summer.
When talking about Cherki, Ferdinand described him as a “maverick” and as someone who “stands out” amid a time of robotic footballers – a reason to sign him that United fans will love.
Ferdinand stated, “In a time where we’re talking about systematic football, and where the players are becoming a little bit more robotic, this guy stands out from someone who doesn’t want to be that at all and isn’t that.
He also said, “he’s a bit more of a maverick. He’s a player who just plays a little bit more off the cuff. He’s got great imagination, fantastic football on both sides, and both feet as well.
“He’s a great technician, just wants to create problems and wreak havoc for opponents, but there’s an artistry about the way he plays, he sees the game a little bit differently.”
French flair to flourish under Amorim?
Cherki comes into this upcoming summer transfer window as one of the hottest topics around, with a reportedly low release clause in the region of £25 million catching a lot of attention from Europe’s elites.
With 17 assists and 12 goals in his 37 club appearances this season so far, the 21-year-old looks to be a player who could bring a lot of creativity to United’s attack, which has proved dull as of late.
While some were not overly impressed with his somewhat quiet overall displays against United in the last two weeks, his ability to step up when needed is a trait Amorim would appreciate.
His goal in the first leg was due to his good reaction over United’s defenders, while his drilled effort in the second leg showed a player full of confidence, something United might need next season.
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