Football
Rayan Cherki fires dig at Man Utd tactics after Europa League draw vs Lyon
Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki didn’t hold back after his side’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-final first leg, openly criticizing the Premier League club for what he called a “defensive” mindset.
The match, held at Groupama Stadium in Lyon, saw both teams exchange blows in a dramatic finish that left the tie wide open heading into the second leg.
Lyon drew first blood in the opening half thanks to Tiago Almada’s clever free-kick, which slipped past United goalkeeper Andre Onana. United responded just before halftime, leveling the score through Leny Yoro.
In the closing minutes, it looked like Ruben Amorim’s men had stolen the win when Joshua Zirkzee headed home what many thought would be the deciding goal in the 88th minute. But Lyon weren’t done.
Cherki capitalized on a spill by Onana, pouncing on a rebound from Corentin Tolisso’s shot to earn his team a crucial equalizer.
The build-up to the game was fueled by Onana’s bold statement claiming Manchester United were the better side.
That comment drew backlash, most notably from former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who labeled the Cameroonian one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history. Post-match, Cherki offered a stinging rebuttal to Onana’s remarks, saying the match itself provided all the answers.
He also took a swipe at United’s tactics, suggesting they came into the game afraid of Lyon and too focused on defense.
Cherki told reporters that Lyon played a complete game and proved themselves superior, adding that the team was never intimidated by Manchester United. He emphasized that they showcased the full scope of their talent and played with confidence throughout.
He went further by questioning United’s tactical setup, pointing out the inclusion of two defensive midfielders as proof of their cautious approach.
In a separate interview with Canal+, Cherki reiterated his view that United showed fear in their selection and game plan.
He expressed hope that the English side wouldn’t adopt the same tactics when the two teams meet again at Old Trafford. Lyon, he said, intends to go into the return leg with an attacking mindset, aiming to dominate the game and come away with a victory.
Despite United’s history and pedigree in European competition, Lyon showed resilience and skill, keeping the tie alive and setting the stage for an intense second leg.
Cherki’s late goal not only saved the match for the French side but also underscored his growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
With the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final set to take place at Old Trafford next Thursday, all eyes will be on how Manchester United respond—both tactically and mentally.
Lyon, fueled by confidence and Cherki’s bold words, will arrive in Manchester determined to attack, control the game, and advance to the next stage of the competition.
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.
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.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
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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