Manchester United are now looking to the UEFA Europa League to salvage their struggling season, with the competition offering their last hope of securing silverware and qualifying for next year’s Champions League. The Red Devils face Lyon in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday, hoping to bounce back from a disappointing domestic campaign.
A Disastrous Domestic Campaign
Manchester United’s season has been far from ideal, with their recent 0-0 draw against Manchester City leaving them in 13th place in the Premier League. This result highlights the club’s struggles in the league, making it clear that their best chance of securing a spot in Europe next season lies in winning the Europa League.
The club’s lack of form in the Premier League has put immense pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, who is facing his first major challenge at the club. United are on course to finish their worst league campaign in over 35 years, and Amorim has openly stated that his side must improve in every aspect of the game if they are to turn things around.
“We need to improve everywhere,” Amorim said after the draw with Manchester City. “We’re in a rush, and we need to make next year much better.” He acknowledged that the Europa League is now critical for their future, not only in terms of securing a European spot but also for the financial stability of the club.
Europa League Offers a Lifeline
The Europa League represents Manchester United’s sole route to qualifying for next season’s Champions League. A failure to win the competition and secure that coveted Champions League spot would result in significant financial consequences, with an estimated £100 million ($127.6 million) loss for the club.
Amorim understands the gravity of the situation, stating, “It’s not the most important thing for Manchester United because we have a lot of things to do, but in this season, the Europa League is really important. We can reach the Champions League next season, and we can win something, so we are going to do everything to try to go to the next stage.”
The club’s financial struggles are amplified by cost-cutting measures already in place. United’s inability to secure a Champions League spot could exacerbate these issues and limit their ability to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window.
Bruno Fernandes’ Role in United’s Europa League Ambitions
One player who has been instrumental in Manchester United’s Europa League campaign is Bruno Fernandes. The Portugal international has been in exceptional form, scoring a hat-trick against Real Sociedad in the previous round and leading the team with 16 goals this season—almost double the number of any other player at the club.
Fernandes has been a bright spot for United, and he is seen as a key figure if they are to progress further in the Europa League. However, the team must rediscover their “killer instinct” after failing to score in their last two outings. Fernandes himself knows the importance of stepping up in these high-stakes matches, as United’s hopes of salvaging their season hinge on their performances in Europe.
Three from three for Bruno in March
United Player of the Month
#PL Player of the Month
#PFA Fans’ Player of the Month#MUFC pic.twitter.com/peH1TEC38W— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 8, 2025
While Fernandes has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, Amorim has made it clear that the midfielder will not be leaving the club this summer. “He is not going anywhere,” Amorim reassured United fans. Fernandes’ commitment will be crucial in guiding the team through what is shaping up to be a difficult European challenge.
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Lyon: United’s Tough Opponents
In the upcoming quarter-final, Manchester United will face Lyon, a side that has been in solid form recently. Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca, despite his off-field issues, has managed to lead the team to eight wins in their last 10 matches. Fonseca is currently banned from the touchline in Ligue 1 due to a confrontation with a referee but is allowed to coach in the Europa League.
Lyon are determined to return to the Champions League for the first time since their run to the semi-finals in the 2019-2020 season, and a victory over Manchester United in the Europa League could serve as a critical step towards that goal. Lyon’s impressive domestic form, combined with the talent of players like Rayan Cherki, makes them a formidable opponent.
Quarter-finals loading #MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/FwGYOkkMEW
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 9, 2025
Cherki, who has been in sensational form lately, is expected to be key for Lyon in the quarter-final tie. The young star has already scored crucial goals for the team, including the winner against Lille over the weekend. “We’re going to play with confidence and to win,” said Cherki. “We’re ready. It’s going to be a battle of men. We’re going to have to go to war.”
Financial Implications for Lyon
The pressure on Lyon is equally high. The club has faced severe financial difficulties in recent years, with warnings from French football’s financial control body that they risk relegation unless they drastically reduce their debts. The Europa League offers Lyon a lifeline, and a strong performance against Manchester United could help secure their financial future and their place in the top tier of European football.
Lyon’s ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League next season are intertwined with their Europa League performance, making this quarter-final a high-stakes encounter for both clubs. Fonseca’s side will be determined to fight hard for a victory in front of their home fans at Groupama Stadium.
The Battle Ahead
The first leg between Lyon and Manchester United promises to be an intense and crucial match for both sides. While United’s hopes rest heavily on their Europa League run, Lyon will also be eager to assert themselves as serious contenders for the title. Both clubs are battling for European glory, but only one will come out on top.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the first leg in Lyon, where both teams will seek to gain an advantage ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford. United’s fate in Europe—and their future in the Champions League—will largely depend on their performance in this knockout tie.
