Still hoping to salvage their season with a Europa League trophy, Manchester United travel to France for a high-stakes quarter-final first leg against Lyon at Groupama Stadium on Thursday night.
But before a ball has even been kicked, the spotlight has shifted to an unexpected war of words between Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic and United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
After United’s goalless draw with Manchester City, Onana sounded confident: “We all know the importance of this game. We have to go there and show who we are. I think we are way better than them.”
Matic, a former United player now wearing Lyon’s colors, didn’t take that lightly. “To say something like that, you need courage. If you're statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s modern history, you need to show it before you talk.”
Onana fired back on social media, saying, “At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
👉 With tensions already flaring off the pitch, here’s a complete breakdown of the game, including the best betting options, team form, likely lineups, and key areas where the match will be won or lost:
But before a ball has even been kicked, the spotlight has shifted to an unexpected war of words between Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic and United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
After United’s goalless draw with Manchester City, Onana sounded confident: “We all know the importance of this game. We have to go there and show who we are. I think we are way better than them.”
Matic, a former United player now wearing Lyon’s colors, didn’t take that lightly. “To say something like that, you need courage. If you're statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s modern history, you need to show it before you talk.”
Onana fired back on social media, saying, “At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
👉 With tensions already flaring off the pitch, here’s a complete breakdown of the game, including the best betting options, team form, likely lineups, and key areas where the match will be won or lost:
💰 Best Bets for Lyon vs Manchester United📊
➡️ Both Teams to Score (Yes )at 1. 68 odds on MSport.
➡️ Over 2.5 Goals at 1. 85 odds on MSport.
Our Analysis: Form of Both Teams 📈📉
𝙁𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙤𝙣 #OLMUFC 👊🔴🔵
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) April 10, 2025
📸 @DamienLGphoto pic.twitter.com/245Y8poILo
Lyon come into this game on a solid run, winning 6 of their last 7 and scoring 19 goals in that stretch. They just beat Lille 2-1, showing real grit after going behind.
Man United, meanwhile, are winless in their last two games and stuck in 13th place in the Premier League. But they’ve been strong in Europe, unbeaten in 10 Europa League matches and knocking out Real Sociedad with a 5-2 aggregate win.
United haven’t lost a first-leg knockout game in Europe since 2019, and despite domestic struggles, they’ve found rhythm in Europe.
Man United, meanwhile, are winless in their last two games and stuck in 13th place in the Premier League. But they’ve been strong in Europe, unbeaten in 10 Europa League matches and knocking out Real Sociedad with a 5-2 aggregate win.
United haven’t lost a first-leg knockout game in Europe since 2019, and despite domestic struggles, they’ve found rhythm in Europe.
Probable Lineups for Lyon vs Manchester United👥👥
Lyon🔵: Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Tessmann, Matic; Cherki, Tolisso, Almada; Mikautadze
Man United🔴: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee.
1️⃣ Goals , Goals, Goals 🎲⚽
Lyon have scored in 9 of their last 10 Europa League games, while United have only failed to score once in their last 21. Both sides love to attack but look shaky at the back.
🔎 Bet 1: Both Teams to Score (Yes )at 1. 68 odds on MSport.
🔎 Bet 1: Both Teams to Score (Yes )at 1. 68 odds on MSport.
2️⃣ Les Gones (The Kids)👱♂️ vs The Red Devils👹
At least 3 goals have been scored in each of Lyon’s last four matches. United’s Europa League fixtures have averaged 3+ goals too.
🔎
Bet 2: Over 2.5 Goals at 1. 85 odds on MSport.
Bet 2: Over 2.5 Goals at 1. 85 odds on MSport.
Final Verdict 🧨🎯
Heading to the continent for a @EuropaLeague quarter-final 🫡🇫🇷#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 10, 2025
This one has all the makings of a thriller: European stakes, goals expected, and now, a spicy personal feud between Onana and Matic. Lyon are flying at home, but United’s Europa pedigree and Fernandes’ form give them hope. Whatever happens, expect drama.🔥
