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Manchester United travel to central France tonight to face Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League quarter finals.
Europe represents United’s only chance of saving a season that has been nothing short of a catastrophe to date and will hope to return to Old Trafford with a positive result to take into the deciding leg, next week.
Andre Onana has already lit the blue touch paper with his claims United are ‘way better’ than their Ligue 1 opponents but Ruben Amorim’s side will have to be at their best to leave Lyon as victors.
Paulo Fonseca’s men are in fine form and boast some talented attacking players that United must keep a close eye on this evening.
United transfer target Rayan Cherki has returned to full fitness and will be desperate to put on a strong showing in front of potential suitors as his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young talents grows.
Much like United with Bruno Fernandes, the majority of Lyon’s good work comes through the 21-year-old and Casemiro will need all his experience to keep the Frenchman quiet tonight in the pockets.
Former red, Nemanja Matic, who hit back at Onana’s ill-advised comments will provide experience in midfield should he start, with ex-Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette doing likewise up front.
Amorim’s side have looked much harder to beat in recent weeks and Amorim will be looking for more of the same in the Parc Olympique Lyonnais tonight.
United on the other hand will continue with their three at the back system so tried and trusted by the head coach and the signs are there that his players are slowly getting to grips with the modus operandi.
Captain Fernandes is arguably in the form of his life and given United’s issues in front of goal the midfielder remains the most likely to trouble the score board tonight.
Getting Bruno into dangerous positions in and around the box will be key to United’s attacking ploy and if he can be found with space high up the pitch, there’s not many players on the continent you’d fancy more to make something happen right now.
Additionally, Rasmus Hojlund can draw confidence on the fact he has enjoyed some of his best moments in a United shirt in European competition and will be desperate to grab a priceless goal or two here.
As ever with Amorim’s system, there will be space in wide areas the long diagonal, primarily to Patrick Dorgu who is much more comfortable in the wing back role than Dalot and will look to be set free to then feed Hojlund or the supporting cast in attacking positions.
Getting the front players back firing is critical to how the season ends for United and despite his wretched form, Hojlund is still the biggest hope to put a run together between now and what remains of the campaign.
To his credit, the Dane is willing and should relish the chance to get back on track against a team that do give up goals.
Managing the early exchanges will be key to how United fare and will look to keep the ball as much as possible in the opening 15-20 minutes before building into their attacking plan.
United have found the pace of European football much more to their liking than the Premier League this term and remain the only side in the three major competitions who are unbeaten in Europe.
Whilst Amorim will be playing for a victory tonight, preserving that record should be enough of an advantage to see them through the tie with the second leg at Old Trafford providing a major advantage.
Featured image Catherin Steenkeste via Getty Images
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