In a thrilling Europa League quarter-final showdown, Manchester United is gearing up to host Lyon at Old Trafford, aiming to turn around a disappointing season with a win. The first leg ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with United's goalkeeper Andre Onana making two critical errors, including a blunder that allowed Lyon's Rayan Cherki to score a last-minute equalizer. As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg on April 17, 2025, all eyes are on the 21-year-old Cherki, who has emerged as one of the hottest young talents in Europe.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been vocal about the potential of Cherki, urging United manager Rúben Amorim to make a move for the Lyon star this summer. Ferdinand described Cherki as a "maverick" who stands out in a football landscape increasingly dominated by systematic play. He 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’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."
Cherki's statistics this season are impressive, boasting 11 goals and 18 assists across all competitions. He has also made a significant impact in the Europa League, leading the competition with eight assists. His performance has sparked interest from several elite clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, with a reported release clause of around £25 million making him an attractive target for potential suitors.
As the match approaches, Cherki's teammates are also singing his praises. Corentin Tolisso, speaking in the press room at Old Trafford, expressed surprise at the attention Cherki has garnered, saying, "If they discovered Rayan last week, it's because they haven't watched much football in recent months. Rayan has done things that have been making the rounds on social media for a while. I hope that after the match, they'll know Rayan even more and hate him even more!"
Despite his talent, Cherki's career has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism for his attitude and inconsistency in the past. Former Lyon coach Rudi Garcia warned that Cherki needed to focus on his development, stating, "We all tell him that he'll have the career he deserves, provided he keeps working. The danger is making him believe that he's already one of the best players in the world."
In the match against Manchester United, Cherki will have another opportunity to showcase his skills on a grand stage. He has previously impressed against top competition, including a recent performance where he scored and assisted in a match against the England Under-21s. His ability to create chances and score goals has made him a key player for Lyon this season.
However, the pressure is on Manchester United as they aim to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League, a crucial target for a team that has struggled domestically. With the Red Devils currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, the Europa League might be their only chance to salvage the season. Amorim's side will need to contain Cherki if they hope to secure a victory at home.
As the transfer window approaches, Cherki's future remains uncertain. His performances have drawn attention from clubs across Europe, and many believe he is ready to make a step up in his career. Ferdinand believes that Cherki is destined for a bigger club, saying, "He’s going to go to a bigger and better club than Lyon, no disrespect. I’m really interested to see when he does go does he level up?"
With the match looming, Manchester United fans are hopeful that their team can turn the tide against Lyon and secure a place in the next round of the Europa League. Meanwhile, Cherki will be looking to make a statement as he continues to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in football. The stage is set for an exciting encounter that could have significant implications for both the players and their respective clubs.
