Manchester United will look to take a significant step towards the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday night with a win over Lyon in France.
Despite facing challenges since Ruben Amorim’s appointment in November, the manager has remained unbeaten in the Europa League, setting up this week’s clash with Lyon.
United are the only team in European competitions this season to remain unbeaten throughout the campaign, even after early struggles under Erik ten Hag, which included three draws to start the season.
The Red Devils’ path to the Europa League final now goes through Lyon, with a potential showdown against either Bilbao or Rangers in the next round.
Of the remaining teams, Manchester United are as strong as any.
Winning the Europa League is crucial for Amorim, both for the financial boost and to restore confidence after a difficult season.
As United head to France for the first leg, they will be aiming to gain an advantage ahead of next week’s return at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim has named a 23-man squad for the quarter-final first leg in Lyon on Thursday.
Kobbie Mainoo, who returned to group training last week, was seen at Carrington on Wednesday morning and has made the trip to France.
The England midfielder has been sidelined for two months but could play a part at the Groupama Stadium, along with Luke Shaw.
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Shaw, an unused substitute in Sunday’s Manchester derby, could be an option for Ruben Amorim as United aim for a positive result before the second leg.
Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, and Leny Yoro have all returned to availability since United’s last European away trip, a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad five weeks ago.
The Basques were beaten 4-1 at Old Trafford, setting up this tie, while Lyon advanced past FCSB to reach the quarter-finals.
Goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton missed the trip to San Sebastian but are available for this match, though Matthijs de Ligt and Toby Collyer are both unavailable due to injury.
De Ligt has been out since picking up a knock at Nottingham Forest, while Collyer has sustained a recent injury.
Youngsters Jaydan Kamason and Jack Moorhouse are part of the squad and could make their European matchday debut, with Amorim allowed to name 12 substitutes for the game.
Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Andre Onana.
Defenders: Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro.
Midfielders: Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Jack Moorhouse, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte.
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee.
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Source: Centred Devils
