Alejandro Garnacho To Start? | 3-4-2-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face Olympique Lyon | OneFootball

Manchester United are set to travel to the Parc Olympique Lyonnais to face off against Olympique Lyon in the first leg of the quarterfinal of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 season. They beat Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16 to qualify for the quarterfinal. United are having a disastrous season in the Premier League and are languishing at the bottom of the points table. They will need to win the Europa League to have a chance of playing in Europe next season. The Red Devils are coming to this game on the back of a 0-0 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League.

Ayden Heaven has injured his foot and is expected to be sidelined for this game. Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training but has to undergo a fitness test ahead of the game. Amad Diallo (ankle/foot) and Jonny Evans (back) will both be sidelined from this game with injuries. Lisandro Martinez will remain out with an ACL injury. Matthijs de Ligt will remain sidelined due to injury, and Mason Mount might be back in contention after getting minutes against City.

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

Defence:

Manchester United’s defense will face a stern test against Lyon, and their backline is shaping up with some intriguing dynamics. In goal, Andre Onana, the 29-year-old Cameroonian, looked steady in the derby with routine stops, but Lyon’s attack could push him harder in France. Noussair Mazraoui, after a shaky outing against Forest, impressed on the right of a back three versus City, hinting at a resurgence. Harry Maguire, rested after 58 minutes in the derby, should be fresh to anchor the center. Meanwhile, teenage prodigy Leny Yoro returns to France, facing his former rivals, Lille’s neighbors—a poetic twist for the young center-back.

Midfield:

Diogo Dalot, shining as a right wingback against City, will be key again in that position, bombing forward to bolster the attack. In the engine room, Manuel Ugarte’s tireless energy could be vital, even if fans are still warming to his skills. Amorim will be counting on him in the midfield. Casemiro, at 33, has turned doubters into believers with sharper showings lately, proving he still has it. On the left wing-back position, Patrick Dorgu’s rocky start as a wingback leaves him under pressure. Luke Shaw’s looming return means the young Dane must step up or step aside. It is a midfield with plenty to prove.

Attack:

Bruno Fernandes, the captain and creative heartbeat, holds the key—if he is on song, moving through gaps, Lyon’s defense will tremble, and United’s semifinal hopes will soar. Up top, Joshua Zirkzee is likely to lead the line, with Ruben Amorim opting for rotation, giving Rasmus Hojlund a breather. Zirkzee’s chance to shine could shift the tide. On the left, Alejandro Garnacho brings pace and promise but desperately needs a goal—his flashes against City show talent, yet his confidence is down. A strike here could spark his season.