Manchester United and Lyon Set for Decisive Europa League Battle

It’s all square as Manchester United and Lyon meet in the Europa League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford on April 17. The 2-2 thriller in France left everything to play for, and both managers know what's at stake: the chance to step one foot closer to a trophy and possible Champions League qualification. United’s home ground has become a stronghold recently, but Lyon’s fighting spirit can’t be underestimated.

The match kicks off at 20:00 BST, live on TNT Sports for those watching in the UK. MUTV’s Matchday Live cranks up the excitement from 18:55 BST, with insights from club legends Wes Brown and David May. If you’re not in front of a TV, the United app has you sorted with radio commentary, rolling stats, and the buzz from the other three quarter-final fixtures. For night owls or the busy, highlights hit the screens just after midnight.

Key Players Return and Squad Uncertainty Lingers

United’s bench gets a huge boost as Luke Shaw shook off his injury to return in the recent Newcastle clash. Midfield pairing Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are also being tipped to start, but Erik ten Hag has headaches too. Joshua Zirkzee’s hamstring means he’s out, while keeper Andre Onana (rested) and Amad (ankle injury) will watch from the sidelines. Ten Hag kept Casemiro and Harry Maguire fresh during the Newcastle fixture, so don’t be surprised if both make the starting XI this time.

Lyon isn’t arriving at Old Trafford with a clean bill of health either. Star winger Ernest Nuamah is still unavailable due to a knee issue, though manager Paulo Fonseca gets some relief with both Tanner Tessman and Paul Akoukou fit and raring to go. Malick Fofana, another attacking option, is almost back and might sneak onto the bench if things go well in training. Meanwhile, the ever-reliable Nemanja Matic started in midfield during the first leg and is expected to anchor things again.

When you glance at the recent meetings between these clubs, history leans red: United came out on top both times in the past 20 years. In 2004, a 2-1 victory in the group stage set the tone, and Ronaldo’s winner in 2008 knocked Lyon out of the last-16. But football rarely follows a script, and Lyon know it’s time to flip the record and silence Old Trafford.

Lyon’s approach is all about momentum. After moving up to fourth in Ligue 1 with an impressive 3-1 away win at Auxerre, coach Paulo Fonseca told reporters he was proud of his team’s “courage” and “quality,” while adding there’s still room for improvement. This French side travels to Manchester hungry and confident.

On the numbers front, United fans can feel quietly optimistic: unbeaten in their last 11 Europa League games and fresh off four consecutive home wins, the stats don’t lie. Rasmus Højlund has been a machine in European competition, clocking up 12 goal contributions (10 goals and 2 assists) since the start of last season. Lyon’s defense will be on high alert every time he gets the ball.

Elsewhere, the Europa League stage is just as tense with the other quarter-finals balanced on a knife edge: Athletic Club vs Rangers ended goalless, Eintracht Frankfurt and Tottenham battled to a 1-1 draw, and Lazio face an uphill climb after falling 0-2 to Bodo/Glimt. But all eyes will be on Old Trafford, where something’s got to give.