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Manchester United Predicted XI vs Olympique Lyonnais

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 10:17 AM ET

Manchester United are expected to field a strong XI against Olympique Lyonnais

Manchester United have endured a disastrous Premier League campaign this season, and with domestic hopes all but dashed, their only realistic path to European football next season lies in winning the UEFA Europa League. The Red Devils now face a crucial test in the quarterfinals as they travel to the Parc Olympique Lyonnais to take on Olympique Lyon in the first leg.

United come into this fixture off the back of a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Manchester City at Old Trafford. In the previous round of the Europa League, Rúben Amorim’s side secured a convincing 5-2 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad, underlining their intent to go deep in the competition.

The quarterfinal tie against Lyon will be taken with the utmost seriousness, as United aim to take a first-leg advantage back to Old Trafford. However, injuries continue to pile up for Amorim. Ayden Heaven, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martínez, and Matthijs de Ligt are all expected to miss the clash due to fitness concerns.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at Manchester United’s predicted lineup for their Europa League quarterfinal first leg against Lyon.

3-4-2-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face Olympique Lyon:

The Red Devils are expected to line up in the familiar 3-4-2-1 formation that has become a hallmark under Rúben Amorim. André Onana is set to retain his place between the sticks despite a few shaky moments this season, as he remains the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for high-stakes fixtures.

In defence, a back three of Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro is likely to be deployed. Mazraoui’s pace and versatility offer much-needed mobility in wide defensive areas, while Maguire brings valuable aerial presence and experience at the heart of the backline. Completing the trio, Yoro’s composure and ball-playing ability could be crucial in building from the back and keeping Lyon’s pressing at bay.

In the wing-back roles, Diogo Dalot is expected to retain his place on the right after an impressive showing against Manchester City. His energy, crossing ability, and defensive contributions were key in containing City’s threat, and Rúben Amorim will be hoping for a similar performance in Lyon. On the left, Patrick Dorgu is likely to continue despite a few nervy displays, largely due to Luke Shaw still not being match-fit. Dorgu will need to step up in what promises to be a high-pressure outing.

In central midfield, Manuel Ugarte will look to set the tempo and provide defensive steel with his relentless work rate and pressing. He is expected to be partnered by Casemiro, who played the full 90 minutes against City and brings invaluable experience and leadership to the middle of the park.

Bruno Fernandes will once again pull the strings in the final third as the right-sided attacking midfielder. The Portuguese international has been United’s most consistent and influential player this season, and much of the creative burden will fall on his shoulders once again. On the opposite flank, Alejandro Garnacho is expected to start as the left attacking midfielder. Though it’s been a subdued season for the Argentine, Amorim will be hoping this is the game where he rediscovers his spark.

Up top, Joshua Zirkzee is tipped to lead the line, with Rasmus Højlund expected to drop to the bench after starting against City. Zirkzee’s physical presence and link-up play could be crucial in breaking down a resilient Lyon defence.

Manchester United Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dogru; Bruno, Garnacho; Zirkzee