4 Lyon players Man Utd must be wary of in Europa League quarter-final | OneFootball

Manchester United's season hinges on Europa League glory but triumphing on the continent will be far from straightforward for Ruben Amorim's side.

Not only would winning Europe's second most prestigious competition add to the trophy cabinet at Old Trafford, it would also secure the Red Devils Champions League football next season. It's their only remaining route to the top table.

Having navigated their last 16 tie with Real Sociedad surprisingly competently, United have earned two legs against Lyon in the quarter-finals. The French side have also worn the tag of fallen giant in recent years and are searching for European redemption themselves.

Following a troubling start to the season, Lyon have rediscovered some edge since Paulo Fonseca's arrival in January, although the Portuguese has since been suspended for nine months after angrily confronting referee Benoit Millot. Fortunately for Les Gones, that ban doesn't apply in European competition.

Lyon's resurgence has seen a number of protagonists come to the fore. Here are a few United must be wary of across both Europa League encounters.

Corentin Tolisso

Corentin Tolisso has thrived on his return to Lyon / ALEX MARTIN/GettyImages

Lyon have a smattering of young and exciting talent within their squad but the core of their team consists of experienced heads. Corentin Tolisso is a prime example alongside the likes of Nicolas Tagliafico, Jordan Veretout and ex-United midfielder Nemanja Matic.

Tolisso never fully embraced his potential during a mixed spell with Bayern Munich having initially risen through the ranks at Lyon, but the box-to-boxer has looked far more comfortable since returning to familiar territory.

The 30-year-old is an all-rounder in the engine room and is equally as capable bursting into the penalty area as he is screening the back four. The former has seen him produce some impressive numbers this term, with eight goals and five assists in all competitions.

The 28-cap France international's intensity and ability to cover large areas of ground is key to his function in Fonseca's side. United, who have struggled to find balance in their midfield, could be overrun by the indefatigable engine room operator, who has won possession in the final third more than any of his teammates on average in Ligue 1.

Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki is in dazzling form / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Rayan Cherki has long been labelled a star in the making but the winger is currently enjoying his first truly magnificent season with Lyon. The 21-year-old has managed nine goals and 18 assists in all competitions this term, with ten goal contributions in the Europa League alone. He has dazzled on the right wing and in attacking midfield.

Lyon's dead-ball specialist can function in a myriad of roles but is most effective as close to the opposition box as humanly possible, boasting exquisite close control and agility in tight spaces. The Frenchman's flair is teamed with immense technical quality.

United will have to be aware of his wicked deliveries into the penalty area given their issues defending set pieces and balls into the box this season, with Amorim perhaps ordering his side to double up on the insatiable phenom.

There's a reason Europe's elite are sniffing around Cherki.

Thiago Almada

Thiago Almada will step in for injured teammates / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Wingers Malick Fofana and Ernest Nuamah have been in sparkling form this season but both are currently residing in the treatment room. The man tasked with replacing some of their creative magic against United will be Thiago Almada.

Football Manager aficionados will likely be familiar with the Argentine, who has taken an unusual career path to date. Having emerged in his homeland with Velez Sarsfield, he proceeded to shine with Atlanta United in MLS, before securing a permanent move to Botafogo. In January, he was loaned to Lyon for the remainder of the season.

The forward, who can play out wide or in attacking midfield, has been sparingly used since his arrival but will now be offered the chance to shine. He started the weekend win over Lille and impressed over the recent international break, even scoring Argentina's winner in their 1-0 victory over Uruguay.

Almada's diminutive presence and ability to drift into central areas from wide positions will undoubtedly unnerve United's uncertain midfield and defence. With four goal contributions in his last seven matches for club and country, the 23-year-old will be eager to announce himself on the European stage against the Red Devils.

Alexandre Lacazette

Man Utd supporters are familiar with the former Arsenal forward / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

United supporters know all about Alexandre Lacazette. The former Arsenal striker faced the Red Devils on eight occasions during his time in English football, although he only produced one goal in said meetings. That's a tally he will fancy adding to in more comfortable surroundings.

Lacazette, much like Tolisso, has thrived since returning to Parc Olympique Lyonnais, even if he hasn't been quite as instrumental this year. The 33-year-old produced 53 goals in his first two seasons back at the club, with a more modest 14 to his name this term. The arrival of Euro 2024 star Georges Mikautadze means Lyon are less reliant on his strikes.

But Lacazette is still a regular starter and boasts the experience and knowhow to prove effective in such a gargantuan tie. The Frenchman's physicality and technical quality will entertain United's three centre-halves, who have often found themselves undone by crafty centre-forwards this season.