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Lyon vs Man Utd: Europa League team news, predicted lineups and injuries

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Luke Shaw could make his long-awaited return to action for Manchester United in their Europa League quarter-final first leg clash against Lyon on Thursday.

The left-back has had a season plagued by injuries and has only played 98 minutes of competitive football this campaign.

Shaw was last seen on the pitch in early December, coming off the bench during United’s convincing 4-0 victory over Everton.

After a lengthy recovery, the England international is now fully fit and was named in the matchday squad for the first time in 2025 during Sunday’s Manchester Derby.

At 29 years old, Shaw could now be called upon to start in a crucial fixture for United’s European hopes.

With Patrick Dorgu occupying the left wing-back role in recent matches, manager Ruben Amorim might opt to reintroduce Shaw into the starting XI as United aim to maintain their unbeaten run in the Europa League.

The club’s only realistic path to European competition next season is by winning this tournament, which adds even more significance to Thursday’s clash against Lyon.

Alongside Shaw, midfielder Mason Mount is another player pushing for a return to the starting lineup.

Mount has made two substitute appearances in recent weeks after overcoming a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined since December 2024.

With United managing a busy fixture schedule and needing fresh legs, Mount could be handed a starting role in midfield if Amorim decides to rotate his squad.

Harry Maguire is also available for selection despite being taken off after an hour during the match against Manchester City.

Amorim confirmed that the centre-back did not suffer any serious injury and should be fit to play.

Maguire is likely to resume his defensive partnership with Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui, both of whom are expected to retain their places in the backline. Victor Lindelof is another viable option should there be any last-minute changes needed.

Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt remains a doubt after missing the derby due to an ankle injury. The Dutch defender is in a race against time to be fit for the midweek fixture.

Long-term absentees Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, and Jonny Evans are still unavailable as they continue their respective recoveries. Their absence means Amorim will once again need to rely on a reshuffled defensive setup as United push toward a deep run in the Europa League.

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo is unlikely to feature despite being spotted in training on Wednesday morning. Amad Diallo is also expected to miss the match, with no clear timeline for his return.

United’s injury-hit season has forced Amorim to get creative with his selections, and Thursday’s game will be another test of depth and resilience.

However, with the likes of Shaw and Mount returning to full fitness, there is renewed optimism within the squad heading into the first leg against Lyon.

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Marcus Rashford ‘chooses next club’ as Aston Villa ponder £40m deal

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Marcus Rashford 'chooses next club' as Aston Villa ponder £40m deal
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Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.

The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.

Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.

Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.

Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch

Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.

According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.

Would Man United accept another loan deal?

Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.

While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.

That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.

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Ruben Amorim ‘could QUIT’ Man Utd as Sir Jim Ratcliffe fears revealed in shock report

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Ruben Amorim 'could QUIT' Man Utd as Sir Jim Ratcliffe fears revealed in shock report
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.

After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.

Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.

Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”

According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”

The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.

Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.

After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.

So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.

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Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen

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Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
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Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.

The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.

Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”

Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.

Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.

Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.

In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.

He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.

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