April 18, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the UEFA Europa League as Manchester United prepares to face Lyon in the quarter-final second leg. The match is set to kick off at 4:00 AM Japan time at the iconic Old Trafford, the home ground of the Red Devils. With both teams vying for a place in the next round, anticipation is brewing among fans and analysts alike.
Manchester United's current season has been fraught with challenges. After a disappointing exit in the FA Cup fifth round against Fulham, the team finds itself in a precarious position, ranked 14th in the Premier League with just 38 points. This dismal performance has led many to deem the season a failure, especially after an early elimination from the Carabao Cup. The only glimmer of hope for United lies in their quest for the Europa League title, which not only offers a prestigious trophy but also a pathway to next season's Champions League.
In the first leg of this quarter-final, held in Lyon, Manchester United managed to secure a 2-2 draw despite several defensive lapses, notably from goalkeeper Andre Onana. His performance has come under scrutiny, leading to his exclusion from the squad for the recent match against Newcastle. However, with the pressure mounting, Onana is expected to reclaim his spot in goal for this crucial encounter, needing to demonstrate resilience and skill to help his team advance.
Coach Ruud van Amore has faced a tough task in rallying his squad, especially with the injury to striker Joshua Zirkzee, who will miss the remainder of the season. This has forced Van Amore to rely heavily on Rasmus Hoilund, who has struggled to find the net, scoring only once in the past four months. Nevertheless, Hoilund has a solid track record in European competitions, contributing 12 goals in the Europa Cup since last season, which includes 10 goals and 2 assists.
Bruno Fernandes remains a key player for United, boasting an impressive 18 assists in the Europa League, tying the tournament record previously held by Dries Mertens. His vision and playmaking abilities will be crucial as United looks to break through Lyon's defense. The team’s home-field advantage at Old Trafford could prove significant, as they aim to capitalize on the support of their passionate fanbase.
On the other hand, Lyon arrives in Manchester with momentum on their side. The French side recently secured a 3-1 victory over Auxerre, maintaining their position in fourth place in Ligue 1 and remaining just one point shy of the top three, which would grant them Champions League qualification for next season. Lyon's attacking prowess is spearheaded by Rayan Cherki, who has made substantial contributions with 11 goals in the Europa League this season, including 3 goals and 8 assists. His performance will be pivotal in determining Lyon's success against United.
Historically, Manchester United has enjoyed success against Lyon at Old Trafford, winning both of their previous encounters there—2-1 in 2004 and 1-0 in 2008. However, Lyon has proven to be a formidable opponent, having lost only once in their last nine matches against English teams. This statistic underscores the competitive nature of the upcoming match.
As the match approaches, predictions from analysts and statistical models suggest a close contest. Opta's supercomputer forecasts a 47.9% chance of victory for Manchester United, while Lyon stands at 26.1%, with a draw also a possibility at 26.0%. These probabilities highlight the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the fixture.
In terms of expected lineups, Manchester United is anticipated to field a strong team with Onana in goal, supported by defenders Mazraoui, Yoro, and Maguire, along with a midfield featuring Casemiro and Fernandes, and an attacking front of Hoilund and Rashford. Lyon, on the other hand, is likely to counter with Lopes in goal, a solid defensive line of Maitland-Niles, Saliba, and Tagliafico, and a dynamic midfield that includes Matic and Cherki, with Lacazette leading the attack.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, both teams are acutely aware of the stakes. For Manchester United, this match represents a chance to salvage a season that has seen more lows than highs. For Lyon, it’s an opportunity to solidify their status as a contender in European football. Fans from both sides will be eagerly tuning in, with the match broadcast live on WOWOW, providing a platform for supporters to witness this thrilling encounter firsthand.
With everything on the line, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash at Old Trafford. Will Manchester United rise to the occasion and secure their place in the semi-finals, or will Lyon pull off an upset and continue their pursuit of European glory? The answer awaits as the two teams prepare to battle it out on the pitch.
