United Confirm Unchanged Starting XI for Crucial Europa League Clash with Lyon

Manchester United Confirm Lineup for Europa League Clash Against Lyon

Manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed his starting XI for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon at the Groupama Stadium. In his press conference on Wednesday, Amorim announced that goalkeeping ace Andre Onana will again be the man between the posts. In a show of consistency, the same ten outfield players that featured in the recent goalless draw with Manchester City are set to start.

The side will line up with Diogo Dalot operating as a right wing-back, while Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu covers the left flank. In central defense, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro will form the backline. In midfield, Manuel Ugarte and the in-form Casemiro are tasked with providing both stability and creativity ahead of attacking options. Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes — the latter serving as captain — will support Rasmus Hojlund, who is currently United’s top European goal scorer with five strikes this season.

Notably, this marks the first time since his appointment in November that Amorim has fielded an unchanged side from the previous match.

The bench for the trip to France is well-stocked, featuring players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw, who are returning after missing the Real Sociedad fixtures. In addition, promising young talents Harry Amass, Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki, and Jack Moorhouse are available to make an impact. Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic has also been named among the substitutes.

Amorim shared his tactical outlook ahead of the game, emphasizing a balance between possession-based play and the ability to dominate when out of possession. He remarked:

“We want to be a team that can control the game with possession, but we’ve proven already we have a team who can control games without the ball. We need to be a complete team, we need to be really focused on every detail of the game and so we are ready for the challenge. Lyon are really different to Real Sociedad. They are really technical but there is a physical aspect at the same time that is really good. They are improving in the league so it’s going to be a good test for us.”

Starting XI & Substitutes

• United Starting Lineup:

  • Goalkeeper: Onana

  • Defenders: Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro

  • Wing-Back: Dalot; left-sided player: Dorgu

  • Midfield: Casemiro, Ugarte

  • Forwards: Garnacho, Fernandes (captain), Hojlund

• Bench: Bayindir; Heaton; Amass; Kamason; Kukonki; Lindelof; Shaw; Eriksen; Mainoo; Moorhouse; Mount; Zirkzee

Lyon’s lineup has also been detailed, with Perri guarding the net and a starting group featuring Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, and Tagliafico in defense; Tolisso (captain) and Akouokou in midfield; with further contributions from Veretout, Cherki, Almada, and Mikautadze. Their substitutes include players such as Descamps, Diarra, Abner Vinicius, Barisic, Caleta-Car, Kumbedi, De Carvalho, Omari, Matic, Lacazette, Molebe, and Rodriguez.

Supporters and viewers can catch the pre-match briefing videos featuring Amorim and Diogo Dalot as they outline the tactical approaches heading into what promises to be a challenging tie in France.