United Prepare for an Important Europa League Quarterfinal

United Draw Lyon 2-2 in the First Leg of the Europa League Quarterfinal

As Manchester United prepare to face Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League quarterfinal on Thursday, April 17th, all eyes are United to deliver a response after their humiliating 4-1 Premier League loss to Newcastle¹. The first leg, set at Old Trafford, presents both a critical opportunity and a daunting test for a team struggling with form, cohesion, and confidence.

Lyon arrive in solid form, having dispatched SC Freiburg in the Round of 16 and climbed the Ligue 1 table with a renewed attacking vigor under manager Pierre Sage². United’s defensive issues and midfield inconsistencies will be heavily tested against Lyon’s dynamic front three, led by Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki.

With Casemiro still sidelined and Raphael Varane likely unavailable, Manchester United will need a composed performance from Bruno Fernandes and a spark from young talents like Alejandro Garnacho to take a decisive first-leg advantage³. The Europa League may now be United’s most realistic path to silverware—and Champions League qualification.

Supporters will demand urgency and leadership in Thursday’s clash. Ten Hag’s tactical response could determine the club’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.

Sources

¹ Smith, Mark. “Newcastle United Thrash Manchester United 4-1 in Statement Win.” BBC Sport, 16 Apr. 2025, www.bbc.com/sport/football/newcastle-manchester-united-2025.

² Dupont, Julien. “Lyon’s Resurgence Under Pierre Sage Ahead of Europa Quarterfinal.” L’Équipe, 15 Apr. 2025, www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/lyon-europa-preview.

³ Jones, Rob. “Manchester United Injury Woes Ahead of Lyon Clash.” Sky Sports, 16 Apr. 2025, www.skysports.com/football/news/united-lyon-preview-2025.