Manchester United vs Lyon Score Prediction: The Red Devils Get Lucky Again
MU vs Lyon: The Red Devils must win to keep their Champions League hopes alive, but Lyon are not easily defeated, given their impressive away form.
The second leg of the Europa League quarter-final between Manchester United and Lyon will take place at 2:00 AM on April 18th (Vietnam time), with the Old Trafford side having no room for error. After a 2-2 draw in France, manager Amorim's team must win if they don't want to end the season in utter disappointment.
Manchester United's squad situation is causing further concern. Striker Zirkzee is suffering from a hamstring injury, while the already long injury list includes De Ligt, Diallo, Heaven, Martinez, Evans, and Collyer. Chido Obi-Martin is also ineligible for European competition, leaving Rasmus Hojlund as the only option in attack.
Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho will continue to support Hojlund, while Onana is likely to return to the starting lineup after being rested over the weekend. In defense, Maguire and Dorgu could start, while midfield will be a competition between Casemiro, Ugarte and Mason Mount.
On Lyon's side, they will be without Ernest Nuamah (ligament injury) and Malick Fofana. However, the French team still has dangerous players like Rayan Cherki – who scored the equalizer in the 95th minute of the first leg – along with Thiago Almada, Mikautadze, and Lacazette.
Manchester United's form is at rock bottom. The 1-4 defeat against Newcastle in the Premier League marked their 14th loss of the season in the domestic league. With only 38 points after 32 rounds, they currently sit 14th in the table and have virtually no chance of competing for a European qualification spot through the Premier League.
The Europa League thus became Manchester United's last lifeline – their only hope of qualifying for the Champions League next season. However, statistics offer some glimmer of hope: the Red Devils have never lost to Lyon in their five previous encounters (two wins, three draws), and are the only team still unbeaten in this season's Europa League (six wins, five draws).
Lyon are in high spirits after their 3-1 victory over Auxerre in Ligue 1, which helped them maintain their fourth position and continue their pursuit of a top-three finish. Since the beginning of March, they have won 7 out of 9 matches, scoring 24 goals, and notably boast a 12-match unbeaten run away from home in the Europa League.
Although Lyon have never beaten MU, they possess a squad of young, energetic players with confidence playing away from home. However, when backed into a corner, MU will have to give their all to fight for honor and their entire season.
Predicted score: MU 3-2 Lyon
A captivating attacking game is expected, and a timely moment of brilliance from Hojlund or Fernandes could be the difference that helps MU secure a place in the semi-finals.
