[3-4-3]: Academy goalkeeper replaced Onana, Casemiro start and Bruno converted to a striker- Manchester United’s predicted lineup against Lyon as Ruben Amorim confirms three major changes ahead of the clash
Olympique Lyonnais have been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride this season — equal parts chaos and charm — and they’re set to bring that same unpredictable energy when Manchester United come calling at Parc OL this weekend.
Lyon’s Ligue 1 campaign has been a goal fest, with a jaw-dropping 92 goals flying in across just 28 matches. Their flair for the dramatic hasn’t been limited to domestic duties either — it’s spilled over into European nights as well.
Despite being banished from the Ligue 1 dugout, Paulo Fonseca will be back barking orders from the touchline after overseeing a 2-1 win over Lille that was anything but dull.
On the flip side, Manchester United have become a bit of a snoozefest. Ruben Amorim is still trying to make sense of a squad that’s painfully average up top, both in terms of talent and depth. A lifeless stalemate in the Manchester Derby that left fans checking their watches instead of the scoreboard.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Man United vs. Lyon predicted lineups, team news
Manchester United’s injury list is still longer than a holiday shopping receipt, with Lisandro Martinez (knee), Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven (both ankle), and Jonny Evans (back) all still stuck on the treatment table.
Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt (ankle) and Kobbie Mainoo (calf) will need a late green light after both picked up knocks— though Mainoo has returned to training and could sneak into the matchday squad.
There’s a glimmer of good news, though. Luke Shaw is back in the mix after spending four months nursing a pesky hamstring issue. Still, Patrick Dorgu is tipped to hold onto his role at left wing-back. At the heart of defense, Harry Maguire is expected to soldier on after shaking off the knock that forced him off early in the Manchester derby.
Further up the pitch, Mason Mount is knocking on the door and could slot in either as a midfield spark or an attacking threat. Alejandro Garnacho, despite finding the net just once in his last 27 outings, looks set to keep his place in the front line.
As for the No. 9 role, manager Rúben Amorim has a decision on his hands—stick with Rasmus Højlund or hand a recall to Joshua Zirkzee?
Man United predicted XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro — Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu — Fernandes, Garnacho — Zirkzee.
Injured: Lisandro Martinez (knee), Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven (both ankle), Jonny Evans (back), Matthijs de Ligt (ankle), Kobbie Mainoo (calf).
Suspended: None.
Lyon were dealt a gut punch ahead of Thursday’s showdown, with Ernest Nuamah set to miss the rest of the campaign after tearing his ACL just seven minutes into their recent win over Lille. To make matters worse, Malick Fofana is also on the shelf with a knee issue, thinning the options out wide.
Stepping into the spotlight is the ever-exciting Rayan Cherki, who replaced Nuamah mid-match and has been putting up video game numbers this season—nine goals and 18 assists in 36 outings, including a jaw-dropping eight assists in just 10 Europa League games. He’s likely to link up with Thiago Almada and one of either Lacazette or Georges Mikautadze in Lyon’s attacking trio.
