Manchester United host Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday evening in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final. The tie is finely poised after a thrilling 2-2 draw in France last week.
With a place in the semi-finals on the line, both teams will go all out in what promises to be a high-stakes, high-intensity encounter. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time, with managers Rúben Amorim and Paulo Fonseca set to lead their sides into this crucial showdown.
Our main prediction for this match is a Manchester United home win, with the Red Devils expected to bounce back strongly in front of their fans. We are also backing both teams to score. This is due to the attacking threats on both sides and the open nature of the first leg.
MAN UTD VS LYON PREVIEW
Manchester United have impressed in Europe this season. They finished third in the league phase with 18 points from five wins and three draws, remaining unbeaten. They’ve carried this form through the knockout rounds and remain undefeated across 11 Europa League matches, with six wins and five draws.
Their attacking quality has been on display, scoring 23 goals, although 13 conceded suggests defensive vulnerabilities. United’s recent domestic form, however, has been poor. Their last five games have yielded just one win, while their recent 4-1 loss to Newcastle exposed key weaknesses.
Rúben Amorim will be looking for a reaction from his side. Known for his high-pressing style and tactical adaptability, the Portuguese coach will likely set his team up to dominate the ball and use the width of Old Trafford to stretch Lyon’s defensive shape.
Olympique Lyonnais, meanwhile, have proven to be one of the most entertaining sides in the competition. With 15 points in the league phase and a sixth-place finish, the French club have shown they can compete with Europe’s best. They’ve lost just once in the Europa League and scored an impressive 25 goals while conceding only 11.
Their form coming into this game is solid, with three wins from their last five. Meanwhile, their performance in the first leg showed they are more than capable of troubling United again. Paulo Fonseca’s dynamic, possession-based style has unlocked the potential of Lyon’s young, creative squad.
Fonseca’s tactical nous could be crucial at Old Trafford. This is because Lyon will need to be defensively compact while remaining a threat on the break.
MAN UTD VS LYON – PREDICTIONS
Manchester United Win
Despite a dip in domestic form, United remain unbeaten in Europe and are tough to beat at Old Trafford. Backing the Red Devils for a narrow win is a solid pick.
Draw
With both teams well-matched and the first leg ending 2-2, another draw wouldn’t be a surprise—especially if Lyon manage to frustrate United early on.
Lyon Win
Lyon have already proven they can hurt United and come into this match with momentum. An early goal could shift the pressure onto the home side.
MAN UTD VS LYON – BETTING TIPS
Manchester United Win
Priced at 1.75 with 1win, United are slight favourites. They should have enough quality and experience to get the job done.
Both Teams To Score – Yes
At 1.67 with Paripesa, this is a strong value bet. The first leg saw four goals, and both teams have shown plenty of attacking intent throughout the competition.
Manchester United -1 Handicap
For those chasing bigger odds, a -1 handicap on United could be worth considering if you believe the home side will dominate.
HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
The two teams played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg of this tie, their fifth meeting in European competition.
Recent Head-to-Head Results:
- 10/04/25 – Lyon 2-2 Manchester United – UEL
- 04/03/08 – Manchester United 1-0 Lyon – UCL
- 20/02/08 – Lyon 1-1 Manchester United – UCL
- 23/11/04 – Manchester United 2-1 Lyon – UCL
- 15/09/04 – Lyon 2-2 Manchester United – UCL
Manchester United are unbeaten in 11 Europa League matches this season.
Lyon have lost just 1 of their last 11 games in the competition.
United have scored 23 and conceded 13 in the Europa League.
Lyon have scored 25 and conceded 11 in the same period.
